Heeren's family, my deepest condolence to your family for the lost and sending all of you prayers and love all the way from Malaysia. it is still fresh in my mind how I was knowing grandpa Duane. the very first time meeting him was at the Hickory Park and after that went to his house. had a small talk with him asking about Malaysia, he showed me the map and asked me to point where Malaysia is. also, during my birthday he was there celebrating my and Grandma Elene birthdays also at the Hickory park. A day after my prom night, we went to Uncle Lance's house to celebrate Grandpa Duane's birthday. it was really fun party because I was also really excited to share with them about my prom night. Last time I met grandpa Duane was few days before I went back to Malaysia, at his house, he was cleaning the yard and I was also helping him. before I leave the house, he hugged me and said goodbye. sadly, it was the very last hug and goodbye from him to me. Rest In Peace Grandpa Duane, you are always in my prayers

Heeren Family~ I myself am saddened by the loss of Duane. Upon learning of his passing, I told my dad about it and he is saddened to hear. Dale and Danielle Uden send their deepest sympathies and condolences in this most difficult time. I have memories of Duane a couple times at Aunt Marie's house. I remember her Chili. It was her house that I discovered Cherry 7-up. And for some reason, 7-up tasted better at her house than anywhere else. The times I was at Aunt Marie's, Duane would be there and to me he was a gentle person with a equal gentle soul. Had a very dry sense of humor, but always put a smile on your face. I loved listening to his stories on the farm and telling tales of the "good stuff" about my dad and jerry and betsy. My dad had this unique way of fixing things all the time and he would tell me that some of things he learned were from Uncle Duane as my dad put it. More memories I could share could keep everyone occupied forever, not enough room to fit. Our family is keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers, and we send well wishes through this difficult time. With love, Dale and Danielle Uden and family.

Sending love and prayers to all of you and deepest condolences on your loss. We hope you are comforted by the memories of the good times you shared and the love of family and friends.

Dearest Heeren family, Deepest condolences to you. I know this is a difficult time but be reminded that dear Duane is no longer in pain and is probably getting into mischief with Ray. My memories of Duane are of the twinkle in is eye and always having a corny joke to tell. Very thankful to still call all the Heeren clan friends after all these years. Elene special hugs to you Love Marilee McNeece

A beautiful service for a very loved man. We share in your sorrow, and will keep you all in our prayers in the coming days.

Dearest families of Uncle Duane … To Aunt Elene, Cousin Brent, Cousin Scott, Cousin Lance & Cousin Julie, My deepest sympathies & condolences to all of you and to all your families … Uncle Duane and his wonderful dry sense of humor will be missed by all. Sending a big love hug to each of you from Florida on a most difficult of days. ?? Sending prayers & thinking of all of you. ? Steve

Elene and family ~ Please accept my deepest sympathies. I’m glad that the family was able to spend time with Duane and relive happy memories prior to his passing. I remember getting together with Duane, Elene, and the cousins at Great Aunt Marie’s. There were always cards to be played and root beer floats as a treat. I also enjoyed the opportunity to visit with Duane and Elene when they came to Iowa City for physician visits. Duane always had a story to tell about Dad (Orval) as a boy. And once Duane even brought Dad’s lunch box from when Dad was a boy and went to the Matlock School. Thinking of all of you and sending my love. Tanya

Heeren Family~ My deepest condolences to everyone. While I know everyone is experiencing this loss in a different way, our heads know he is in a better place and out of pain, but the heart still grieves. Most of my memories of Duane come from a child’s perspective. I remember him with a little swagger, a sparkle in his eyes, and a (slightly) dry sense of humor. I remembering going to (great aunt) Marie’s when the cousins were visiting (including card games and root beer floats). I am hoping that through the grief, stories are being told and smiles and laughter are mixed in with the tears. Sending my love, Tracy

Brent, I’m so sorry for your loss. I have such fond memories about visiting your parents, talking about Russia and answering Duane’s questions. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Dear Brent Heeren Family, Although I did not get to meet my DNA 2nd cousin Duane I have had many wonderful conversations with his son Brent and he helped me to find many things out about my Dad's side of the family and many photos of my greatgrand parents. Also a short video of my Great Grandmother surrounded by her sons and family. I am very happy and grateful to be part of such a thoughtful family. If Brent Heeren is anything like his Dad...well then Duane will be missed very much by all. Cousin Meri Nichols Niewald Uden

Brent, Becky and family, So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. Linda and Allan

Dear Heeren Family, My deepest sympathies to all of you. I have such fond memories of Duane from our gatherings with your family growing up......from Duane's dry and witty sense of humor, to his welcoming smile and spirit, to his analysis of the political climate or other world/state/local news, to his patience with all of us kids whether it was going trick-or-treating or a backyard gathering, to his ability to fix anything, to his willingness to analyze/study so many things. I think of Duane as a keen observer and so very, very wise. It is truly easy to understand why my mom and dad enjoyed spending time with Duane and Elene. I am thankful for their long-time friendship with Mom and Dad. One of my fondest memories of Duane, though, was his deep love for Elene and all of you. The pride and sparkle in his eyes was so evident when he talked about all of you and where/what you were doing. May all of your hearts be warmed by your memories, and may you honor him with each of your own lives. What a blessing to have Duane as your father/husband! Again, my deepest sympathy and love to all of you.

Elene, and all of the Heeren and Astarita Family We are so sorry for the passing of Duane. He was such a wonderful, genuine person. I can't believe he was our neighbor for 15 years! Seems like just yesterday we were meeting Elene and Duane and welcoming them to the neighborhood. I loved chatting with him outside about various topics, whether it was pet insurance, radon testing or a book he recommended to me. To have him and Elene live next door while Nate and Sydney were growing up was like having an adoptive set of grandparents right next door for them! What a joy! The support he showed to our kids was heartwarming for us. From supporting the kids' fundraising activities for school or Scouts, to attending their basketball games, or visiting with Nate the night before he moved away, what an example of the kind of person we should all strive to be. While our entire family (yes, that includes Maggie) will dearly miss him, we will be able to smile brightly when we think of him and the wonderful impact he had on our lives. All our prayers and kind thoughts are with your family during this time.

Julie, Arlene, and the Heeren and Astarita Family. I will always remember you Dad’s quite strength and humble kindness. I will also never forget his hospitality in putting up with the strange Connecticut kids who came to visit some 38 years ago. I will always be grateful for the time he rescued us when our car broke down on the way to our canoeing trip. You were blessed to have him as a Dad and a husband and to have had him so long. My prayers for all of you that you may be comforted. Marc Anthony Gallucci

I am sorry for your loss.

Brent and family, Sorry to hear of the passing of your dad and grandpa, a truly amazing man! Our thoughts and prayers are with y'all! God Bless! With our deepest sympathy, Rod and Connie Haughey