Duane D. Robinson

1969 - 2021

ROWLEY – Duane D. Robinson, 51, of Rowley died on Wednesday, June 30, 2021, at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics in Iowa City. A mass of Christian burial was held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 6, at St. John's Catholic Church in Independence with Rev. David Beckman presiding. Visitation was from 4 to 7:30 p.m. on Monday, July 5, at the Reiff Family Center – Funeral Home & Crematory in Independence. A parish vigil service began at 7:30 p.m. on Monday.

Duane was born on October 18, 1969, the son of Bert D. and Shirlene K. (Simpson) Robinson. He was a 1988 graduate of Independence High School in Independence. After school, Duane started working as a farmhand. He soon purchased a herd of dairy cows and tended to them for several years. On October 28, 1995, he married the love of his life, Wendy J. Bantz, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. Together, they made their home in Rowley, where they raised their two daughters. When Duane decided it was time to stop farming, he went to work as a truck driver. He started driving for Cargill, Weiland & Sons Lumber, and most recently ADM Trucking in Cedar Rapids.

Duane enjoyed being outside. Not only did he like to work outside, but he also loved to go hunting and fishing. He loved to go watch his girls compete in their sporting and music events, and always had a helpful tip when it came to softball. He was known to be a quiet guy to many, but those who were close to him were privileged to see his humor. He was quick with a joke and would sing hilarious songs that he made up on the spot. He loved to see his girls smile, and would do anything to see them happy.

He is survived by his wife, Wendy Robinson of Rowley; his two daughters, Emily Robinson of Tiffin and Marissa Robinson of Rowley; his parents, Bert and Shirlene Robinson of Rowley; his sisters, Renae (Cory) Kress of Quasqueton and Tina (Dustin) Pecinovsky of Independence; his aunt and uncles, Bill (Deb) Simpson of Omaha, Nebraska, Jeff (Kim) Gonsales of Cedar, Minnesota, Mike Gonsales of Denver, Colorado, Jim Gonsales of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Rick Robinson of Walker, Iowa, and Helen Robinson of Independence, Iowa; a brother-in-law, Gary (Deb) Baldwin of St. Louis, Missouri; and a sister-in-law, Ann Heine of Pensacola, Florida.

Duane is preceded in death by his grandparents; his mother- and father-in-law, Ronald and Mary Bantz; and two uncles, Charles and Carl Robinson.

To leave an online condolence, please go to www.reifffamilycenter.com under "Obituaries."