Duane Kipp

Duane Kipp, age 85, of Festina, Iowa, died on Saturday, December 17, 2022, at his home. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, December 22, 2022, at Our Lady of Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Festina, Iowa, with Rev. Henry Huber officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service Thursday morning at the church. Helms Funeral Home is handling arrangements. Duane Kipp was born November 24th, 1937, in Ossian, IA. He graduated from St. Francis DeSales High school in Ossian, class of 1955. Duane served in the national guard following graduation until his discharge in the 90s. Thanks to a good family friend, Duane met his soul mate Elaine Tostenson at Art’s Roller rink, as many did. They were married on August 14, 1961. To this union seven children were born: Kimberly, Joseph, Richard, Randal, Jeffery, Steven, and Jeannie. Duane was a trucker all his life. He owned his own milk hauling business for several years. In the 60s, he was proud to have had the largest milk truck in the area. After he sold his business, he started working for Reilly Construction. After several years with Reilly Construction, he worked for Fruden Lumber which later became Croell Redi-Mix. Duane left Croell and then operated/managed Holthaus Quarry for Roverud. After leaving the quarry and trying retirement out, Duane found himself back to work for Wiltgen Rock Products. After decreasing to part time work, he finally successfully retired from Wiltgen’s in 2006; the same year Elaine retired. To occupy his retirement, Duane enjoyed fishing and “putzing” in the garden. Without a doubt, his greatest past time was teasing and loving his grandchildren. Duane is survived by his wife of 61 years: Elaine Kipp of Festina, IA. 2 daughters and 4 sons: Kim Block of (Ely, Minnesota); Joe (JoAnn) Kipp of (Newburg, Missouri), Richard (Julie) Kipp of (Ft. Atkinson, Iowa); Randy Kipp of (Houston, Minnesota); Jeffery (Regina) Kipp of (Ft Atkinson, Iowa); Jeannie (Barrett) Churchill (Sheffield, Iowa). 13 Grandchildren: Matt Block, Amanda Block, Michael Block, Joey (Brooke) Kipp, Jodi (Paul) Halloway, Ethan Kipp, Lee Kipp, Gabriel Kipp, Isabelle Kipp, Justin Kipp, Andy Kipp, Alex Jirak, Abbi Jirak, and 5 great grandchildren. Duane was preceded in death by his parents: Joseph and Leona Kipp. Son: Steven Kipp. Daughter-in-law: Paola Kipp.