"My dad Fred Ankney, just found out about Duane tonight. My dad and Duane served in the military together. He will be missed. I loved his letters and would laugh every time my dad received one. He even took the time to write my older sister who was battaling cancer. My dad only has good memories of him. My God bless him and comfort you at such a difficult time."
In loving memory of
Duane Carlton Griggs
January 23, 1920 - May 27, 2012
Mr. Duane Carlton Griggs, 92, of Burlington, and formerly of New London, died at 12:30 p.m. Sunday, May 27, 2012 at his home.
Born January 23, 1920 in Washington, Iowa he was the son of Dewitt Clinton and Annie Weaver Griggs. On March 26, 1941, he married Margaret Jean Snider in Nashuau, IA. She preceded him in death on June 14, 1976. He then married Ruth Ann Hanger on March 10, 1990 in Burlington.
He published the West Branch Times from 1953 to 1959 and was the owner and publisher of the New London Journal from 1961 to 1985. Duane started his career in the newspaper publishing business as a Linotype operator for various newspapers. Duane was a beekeeper and enjoyed bottling and selling his honey. He was a U.S Army veteran serving in World War II as a surgical technician in Okinawa, Japan, and a military police officer, stateside. He was a member of the New London Methodist Church Council and served on the New London City Council. He enjoyed writing Letters to the Editor and was great at keeping in contact with school friends, his Army buddies and all of his extended family.
Survivors include his wife, Ruth Ann; four children, Cheryl Marie Griggs (Joe) Bonebrake of West Burlington, Daniel R. (Sherri) Hanger of Roseville, MN, Joel D. (Christina) Hanger of Burlington, and Julie A. (Michael) Crane of Urbandale, IA; eleven grandchildren, Brian Joe (Kelly) Bonebrake and Anne Marie Bonebrake, both of Kansas City, MO, Matthew Byron (Lynn) Rocksvold of Bessemer, AL, Jeffrey Harlan Rocksvold of Harlingen, TX, Melissa L. (Robert) Mench of Woodbury, MN, Jeffrey D. (Nicole) Hanger of Des Moines, IA, Nicholas R. Hanger of Iowa City, IA, Alixandria M. Hanger of Burlington, Lucas M., Zachary T., and Alec F. Crane, of Urbandale, IA; and six great-grandchildren, Maggie, Warren, Casey, Cadence, Blake and McKenna.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Margaret; daughter, Barbara Rocksvold; three brothers; and one sister.
The Funeral Service for Duane will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, May 31st at Grace United Methodist Church with Pastor Trevor Davis officiating. Burial with full military honors will be at 3:00 p.m. Thursday in Elm Grove Cemetery, Washington, IA.
Friends may call Wednesday, May 30th from 1 until 8 p.m. in Lunning Chapel with the family receiving friends from 6 until 8 p.m.
Memorials have been established for Grace United Methodist Church and New London United Methodist Church.
Tributes
"Cheryl, so sorry for our loss, he was such a nice man. It's been a very long time. Grade-school K-4 West Branch."
"Cheryl,
Sincerest concolences on the loss of your Dad.
Sharon Moore"
"May heartfelt prayers and sympathy to you, Cheryl, and the rest of your family! Your dad was one of my first "employers" as he hired me to be one of the "folders" of the New London Journal. I remember his great sense of humor and winning smile. I know he will be greatly missed!"
"What a guy our Duane was! We always looked forward to seeing both of you. Now who is going to use up the rest of those old stamps??? His many rambling letters brought a smile to our face. What a sweet guy, he knew how to give great hugs. God be with you Ruth Ann. Sending our love, Jim and Carol "
"Duane has been our friend for 30 years, as of this April. He was on our Europe trip and made it so enjoyable. When he brought RuthAnn along, in 1990, we became friends with her too. We love them both and will very much miss our friend, Duane. RuthAnn, we want to stay in touch with you and hope to continue seeing you each year."
"Anne, Brian, Cheryl and Joe- My deepest sympathy to your whole family. Please know that you have friends that are thinking about you and praying for your comfort in the days ahead. Take care. "
"Duane was a charming and fascinating conversationalist. He was knowledgeable about so many different subjects, and enjoyed the give and take of sharin ideas. He was a Father in the best sense of the word - and adored by children and grandchildren. He will be missed while he leaves many stories and memories to share."