John Duster

JOHN DUSTER

Cedar Rapids

John Duster, 82, of Cedar Rapids, passed away Sunday, July 16, 2017, after suffering a massive stroke. Memorial Mass: 2 p.m. Friday, July 21, at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Cedar Rapids. Visitation: two hours before the service Friday at the church. Arrangements by Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids.

Survivors include his wife of over 62 years, Shirley; children, Deb (David) Secor of Cedar Rapids, Ron Duster of Miami Beach, Fla., Sherryl Duster of Delhi and Pamela (James) O'Neill of Cedar Rapids; grandchildren, Allyn Secor (Jill Lorenzen), Adam Secor (Ashley Grafton), Michael (Heather) O'Neill and Lisa O'Neill; great-grandchildren, Ayla, Skye Secor and Zoey O'Neill, and another girl on the way; and many extended family members and cherished friends.

John Anthony Duster was born May 25, 1935, in Des Moines, Iowa. His parents were Leo and Marcella (Weiwel) Duster. He attended Immaculate Conception school for 13 years, graduating in 1953, then joined the Army in September 1954. During his school years, he met the love of his life, Shirley Fuchs. Best friends from kindergarten, that friendship turned into true love. He married his sweetheart on Oct. 23, 1954, at Camp Riley in Fort Smith, Ark.

John attended Loras College and the University of Iowa. John went on to a successful career at Collins Radio in 1959 and became a contract manager. He made lifelong friendships and successful customer deals. He enjoyed both domestic and international business travel, and retired in 1992 after 33 years.

A sports fanatic, John loved to watch football, especially the Iowa Hawkeyes. He was an avid golfer. He loved the outdoors and could be found boating at Delhi, camping frequently as their young family grew, and spending weekends with family and friends. John and Shirley loved to travel, whether by van, plane or cruise, the stories of their trips instilled a love of travel in the family. Some of their best trips included Australia, Spain, China, Germany, Ireland, Austria, Budapest, England, New Zealand, and even Hawaii, nine times!

John had a heart attack in September 2011, and contrary to the doctors' beliefs, he recovered completely after 102 days in the hospital. He spent six more happy years as Shirley's "Miracle Man," until the stroke this past Friday.

John was the true patriarch of the family, always available for advice and to lend an ear. He surrounded himself with many loving family and friends, a true example of his loyalty to family and friends. John was proud of his family and their accomplishments and will certainly be missed by all who knew and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, the Very Reverend Father James "Jim" Duster; and many cousins. They will all welcome John to his resting place in Heaven.

Memorials may be directed to the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy or the Immaculate Conception capital campaign.

Please share your support and memories with John's family on his tribute wall at www.stewartbaxter.com under obituaries.