Duane Birt, 89, of Prescott, IA, passed away on Saturday, May 9, 2015, at his home. Services will be held at a later date. There will be no public viewing. Pearson Family Funeral Service, 701 7th Street, Corning, IA is handling arrangements. Memorials can be directed to Prescott United Church and/or Hospice of Southwest Iowa, 703 Rosary Drive, Corning, IA 50841. On-line condolences may be left at www.pearsonfuneralhomes.com.
Duane Henry Birt, the son of Franklin Cleveland and Wynona Elizabeth (Hoop) Birt, was born on November 22, 1925 in North Central Adams County, Iowa. Duane graduated from Prescott High School with the class of 1943. Duane served in the United States Maritime Service from December 1943 until he was honorably discharged July 1945. On January 2, 1945 Duane married Rowlene Marian Nelsen at Atchison, Kansas.
Duane was a farmer and lived in Adams County all of his life. He grew corn, soybeans and hay and raised livestock including chickens, sheep; mostly cattle and hogs. Duane served on the Board of Supervisors in Adams County and received several Conservation awards for being a good steward of the land. In 2025 the Birt Farm will be a Century Farm in Adams County.
Duane was a life time member of the Prescott United Church where he served on the board in many capacities. Duane was a Prescott Township Trustee; a member of the Masonic Circle Lodge #555, A.F. & A.M. and Order of Eastern Star. He was also a member of the Kline Museum Board in Prescott and a member of the Community Housing Board. Duane was a former member of the Prescott American Legion. Duane and Rowlene were Septemberfest Grand Marshalls. As a young man, Duane was the Batting Champion for the Prescott Indians Town Baseball Team. As a young father he was the Boy Scout Master. Duane was a sports enthusiast and was an avid life-long St. Louis Cardinal fan, and loved to play pitch with the family.
Left to cherish Duane’s memory is his wife, Rowlene Birt, Prescott, IA; children: Janet (Bill) Briley, Lee’s Summitt, MO; and Bill (Jeanne) Birt, Prescott, IA; Five Grandchildren: Douglas (Michelle) Birt, Prescott, IA; Nicole (Joel) Boswell, West Des Moines, IA; Matthew (Ashley) Briley, Blue Springs, MO; Mark (Carrie) Briley, Bixby, OK; Kristin (Drew) Antonucci, Lee’s Summitt, MO; Eleven Great-grandchildren: Cody and Ally Birt; Bailey and Chase Boswell; Jackson, Charlotte and Bennett Briley; Morgan, Dane and Hayes Briley; Gianni Antonucci. Duane is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. Duane was a loving husband for 70 years, loving father, grandfather, and brother. He will be missed by many.
Preceding Duane in death was son, Steven Duane Birt; his parents; sister: Lucille Bradley; brothers: Joe and Erwin Birt; brother-in-law: Bill Bradley; and sisters-in-law: Floss Birt and Leola Hawthorne.