Duane Kelch

Duane Kelch, 81, of Hampton, passed away Friday, July 26, 2024, at Franklin General Hospital in Hampton under the care of MercyOne North Iowa Hospice. A Mass of Christian Burial took place at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Hampton. Visitation was held one hour prior to Mass, at 9:30am, at the church. Duane was laid to rest in the Hampton Cemetery. Woodley Funeral Home and Crematory of Hampton is caring for Duane and his family.

Duane Arthur Kelch was born February 7, 1943, in Algona, Iowa, son of Arthur Wendell and Alice Antoinette (Schaller) Kelch. He graduated from Corwith-Wesley High School. He furthered his education at Barber College and then received his Real Estate and Insurance licenses.

On June 19, 1965, Duane was united in marriage to Ruth Ann Nelson in Wesley, Iowa. He served in the National Guard and was a member of the Hampton Country Club, Knights of Columbus and Kiwanis.  Duane was an active member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Hampton.

Duane was a barber for several years and then became a manager of Little Red Barn in Coralville. He started a career in real estate with Barnes Realty. In 1977, he joined Castle, Dick & Kelch and later became the owner. He made many connections and relationships within the community and achieved many successes and accolades within his profession.

Duane looked forward to his annual Canadian fishing trips and boating in Clear Lake with family and friends. He enjoyed golfing, gardening, grilling and cooking. Duane enjoyed watching Iowa Hawkeye sports.

Duane is survived by his wife Ruth Ann Kelch of Hampton; daughter Allison Evans of West Des Moines; grandsons Kaleb Kelch of Hampton and Owen Stark of West Des Moines; close family friend Nancy Taylor of Brookhaven, Georgia; sister Donna Maher of Mt. Pleasant and brother David Kelch of Iowa City.

He was preceded in death by his parents, son Tony Kelch, brothers Eugene, Gerald and James Kelch, and sister Margaret Wood.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Patrick Catholic Church and St. Patrick Food Pantry in Hampton.