Ruroden, Duane Emory

Duane Emory Ruroden, 66, of Monona, died Sunday, Jan. 23, 2011, at the Good Samaritan Center in Postville. He was born on Jan. 2, 1945, in West Union, Iowa, to Emory and Ula (Howard) Ruroden. Duane was baptized on April 13, 1952, and confirmed on March 15, 1958, in West Union. He attended Fayette County Schools through the ninth grade.

Duane was united in marriage to Helen Ihde on April 15, 1967, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Postville. Two children were born to this union. In 1962, Duane started working with the Schatz family with racehorses as a groomsman. He worked for the Frankville Cheese Factory and Swiss Valley in Luana for over 30 years. He enjoyed country western music and dancing. He was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan and also enjoyed his yard and faithful companion, Spud, the dog. Duane loved spending time with his family and was very fond of his nieces and nephews.

Survivors include his wife, Helen Ruroden, Monona; two children, Bryce Ruroden (special friend, Kris Nelson) of Ely, and Samantha (Jason) Johnson of Garnavillo; one granddaughter, Kaja Johnson of Garnavillo; three sisters, Lorraine Pape of West Union, Karen (Kenny) Kohls of Clermont, and Dorene (Dean) Peyton of Calmar; and one brother, Wayne Ruroden (special friend, Jane Miene) of Waukon.

Duane was preceded in death by his parents; stepfather, Clarion Hilgerson; one sister, Elaine Voss; and two nephews, Brett Fonley and Jason Peyton.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 27, at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Postville. The Rev. Steve Brackett will officiate. Burial will follow in the Illyria Cemetery, in rural Elgin. Visitation will be held from 2 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Leonard Funeral Home, Monona, and one hour before services Thursday at the church.

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Schutte-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Postville, is in charge of arrangements.