Christen, Duane Jacob

Duane Jacob Christen, 43, of Marion, died Friday, March 18, 2011, following a courageous 30-year battle with health problems. Celebration of Life: 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 23, at Living Water United Methodist Church in Marion, by the Rev. Marty Schuhmacher and the Rev. Marv Feigenspan. Family will greet friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Center in Marion. Private family inurnment will take place at a later date.

Survivors include his parents, Paul and Sharon Christen of Kalona; brother, Scott Christen of Tipton; brother, Luke Christen, Alicia Platteter, and daughter, Tessa, of West Branch; his cat, Dottie; and many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Duane was born April 22, 1967, in Cedar Rapids, the son of Paul D. and Sharon S. (Munch) Christen. He worked as a computer software engineer for PAETEC, Inc. in Hiawatha. Duane was a longtime member of Living Water United Methodist Church, where he was active in finance and its administration boards for over a decade.

Duane was an avid science fiction fan and voracious reader. He was extremely generous to many in so many different ways. Duane was a man of great faith. He was dearly loved and will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Living Water United Methodist Church in Duane's memory.

Please sign the online guest book for Duane at  under obituaries.