DUANE GLICK

Duane Glick, 85, of  Creston, formerly of Mount Ayr, died Wednesday, May 13, 2020 at Creston Specialty Care in Creston. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Burial will be in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Mount Ayr. Powers Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers memorials can be directed to the Creston United Methodist Church or Chicken Inn. Online condolences can be given at www.powersfh.com.
Milton Duane Glick was born January 26, 1935 to Ruby Alpha (McMillion) and Dallas Ogden Glick at Beaconsfield, IA. Three years later he was joined by a brother Marlin Jean. At a very early age Milton became known by his middle name, Duane, to eliminate confusion with grandfather, Milton Glick’s name.
The boys grew up enjoying farm life, country school, family get-togethers with the Glicks and the McMillions and all the mischievousness cousins and friends could find. Duane graduated from Ellston High School in 1954. In his graduating class four of the six students were first cousins.
After graduation Duane went to work for the Oliver Corporation in Omaha, NE but returned to Ellston in January1955 after his fathers’ sudden death. For a time, he helped his mother and brother keep the farm going but later they decided to have a closing out sale and mother moved to town. Duane worked at Boortz Grocery Wholesale in Creston and lived with his aunt and uncle for the next three years.
In May 1958 he married the “girl of his dreams”, Sharon Kinney. They remained in Creston until 1963. To this union was born two children, Kristeen Kay March 1, 1959 and Kevin Duane on December 11, 1961. Duane and Sharon were proud parents. Both graduated from Mount Ayr High School. Kris later graduated from NWMSU in Maryville, MO and taught in Iowa, Missouri and final years in Ames Elementary before losing her battle with Leukemia. Kevin attended Lincoln Tech in Des Moines before joining the Air Force. Since then he has enjoyed small engine repair and sale of lawn equipment at Service Tech in Creston.
In 1963 Duane injured his legs in a fall during a snow and ice storm. Since driving the truck would no longer be an option, Duane went to AIB in Des Moines to study accounting. At this time, he and his family returned to the Tingley area to be close to family.
After schooling he worked for Anderson Supply Elevator in Ellston, IA as office manager. In 1974 once again leg problems caused the need for two knee replacements. In 1975 he was appointed to the position of City Clerk for the City of Mount Ayr. He remained there for thirty-one years.
Through the years, he was supportive of Sharon’s work and raising the family. While at Shamrock Café, Duane would stop in after work and help the girls do dishes. He always told them this was where he started his climb to success!
Later after Sharon started a new venture with Southwest Iowa Sheltered Workshop at the Challenge Center in Mount Ayr, it became evident that the Ringgold County area needed a group home to serve the Special Needs Adults because of aging parents and care givers. Duane and Sharon spearheaded a fundraising campaign with the help of community and grants to make this become a reality. In 1987 the Ringgold County Group Home opened with eight residents. Once again Duane agreed, and he and Sharon accepted the role of house parents for the next 22 years. Duane continued at City Hall but returned to the group home at night and weekends to help care, entertain and be a father figure for the residents. Duane always remarked that he learned more about life, unconditional love, friendship, forgiveness and God’s plan for each of us from the residents than any other time in his life.
After retirement in 2009 we returned to Creston to be near Kevin and Debbie. Duane helped Kevin at the office at Service Tech which he thoroughly enjoyed.
Other joy in Duane and Sharon’s life has included step-granddaughter, Tena Snethen, and a great-grandson, William Brandon Berry. Brandon has kept us young and involved more in school and community.
After suffering a major stroke, Duane was unable to return home. Three months later a severe heart attack left even more disabled, but his mind and memory remained. Even his quick wit and ability to make the most of the situation made him a favorite of the nursing home staff. Duane never met a stranger-only future friends. He enjoyed reminiscing, always finding common interest with everyone he met.
Through the years he and Sharon enjoyed trips to Branson, a trip to Georgia to visit Kevin, while he was stationed there with the Air Force and back through Fort Smith, AR so his mother could see her brother for the last time. Another highlight was a trip to New York City for four days compliments of Full of Pep Feed for outstanding sales while at the elevator in Ellston. Of all the trips, family reunions and get-togethers with friends his favorite recreation was fishing at the pond or lake and picnics. Watching the sunsets, listening to the birds, watching the deer play and just quiet moments in the beauty of God’s creation gave him peace and tranquility.
Duane is survived by his wife; Sharon Glick of Creston, IA; son, Kevin (wife Debbie) Glick of Creston, IA; sister-in-law, Janis Danels of Ottumwa, IA, one granddaughter, Tena Snethen of Creston, IA, two step-grandsons, Cody and Chad Means; one great grandson, Brandon Berry of Creston, IA; nieces, nephews, cousin and a multitude of friends.
Duane is preceded in death by his parents, father and mother-in-law, Clark & Helen Kinney; his daughter, Kris, and a brother, Marlin Glick, and his brother-in-law, Bud, and a grandson, James Duane Glick in infancy.