Duane Dale Alpers of Windsor Heights, IA passed away peacefully Tuesday, July 5th, with his wife by his side, at Mercy One Hospice Care in Johnston, IA.
Duane was born on December 21st, 1948 to Dale and Zella (Hurst) Alpers in Vinton, IA.
He was a devoted and loving husband, father, and grandfather. He proudly served his country in Vietnam, earning several medals, including the Bronze Star. His military connection became a central aspect of his life, which inspired a passion for serving veterans at the VA Hospital in Des Moines during his recent retirement after a career as a computer programmer. He was also passionate about several additional causes dear to his heart, including blood donation and PANS/PANDAS advocacy and awareness.
He enjoyed spending most of his adult life in his cherished community of Cedar Rapids before relocating to the Des Moines area for work in 2005.
Duane relished his hobbies of dancing, growing roses, reading, and watching western movies; he was an avid fan of Iowa women’s basketball.
We will fondly remember Duane for being a man of his word, his big heart, his love for his family, his willingness to give of his time to help others in need, and his remarkable ability to craft a solution to almost any problem.
He is survived by his wife, Danielle Reier; his children Daniel (Amy) Alpers of Cedar Rapids, IA, Katherine (John) Stalter of Cedar Rapids, IA, and Violet and Collin Reier of Windsor Heights, IA; Granddaughter Cordelia Alpers of Cedar Rapids, IA; brothers Drew (Sheryl) Alpers of Billings, MT, and Daryl (Colleen) Alpers of Cedar Rapids, IA, and several beloved cousins.
Duane was preceded in death by his parents, Dale and Zella (Hurst) Alpers.
A private burial service will be held in Vinton, IA. A Celebration of Life gathering will be held at VFW 788 in Cedar Rapids, IA on Friday, July 15 from 3-8pm. A small service and Celebration of Life will be held at Plymouth Church in Des Moines, on Thursday, July 14th at 10am.
In lieu of flowers, his family humbly asks that memorial donations be sent to the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight (which provided Duane a truly memorable experience, honoring his service in Vietnam).