Duane Meyer 05/15/2020
January 6, 1932 - May 15, 2020

"Many years ago when my now 40 year old son was in school at Franklin, my son was being picked on by his teacher. By the time we realized what was going on, he didn?t want to go to school anymore. Duane was principal at that time, and we scheduled a meeting with him. I can?t remember talking to a more compassionate educator. He encouraged my son and acknowledged his problem. Years later, Duane still asked about our son and how he was doing. A wonderful man."

"We are sorry to read pf Duane's passing. Barb worked at Franklin with Duane and I spent a number years as a fellow Administrator. Duane and I most always agreed on the direction of education. We both loved working with the kids and I am sure that Duane's staff and students felt he was one of the best. Our sincere sympathies to Erma and the family. Bill/Barb Vana"

"Don and I are sorry for the loss of Duane to the Meyer Family. He was the principal I worked for during twenty-five years at Franklin Elementary, first as a teacher?s aid for four years and as a classroom teacher for many more. He set an atmosphere of trust and welcome that children, families, and staff felt when they walked into the building. He and Erma built a loving family together. They will have all those memories to keep in their hearts. Mary and Don Maze"

"Our deepest condolences. We have always been so grateful to the Meyers for their loving care of our grandparents, Eldon and Viola Anderson. -Lisa Anderson Hinkle"

"Craig?s first boss as Duane was the principal when Craig started teaching in Marshalltown. Then we came to know Duane and Erma as fellow members of FUMC. Excellent role models. Praying for your family during your loss."

"I never had a chance to meet Duane but after reading his life story I know now where his family got the love that they share with themselves and others. Duane lived a great life with service to his community and family and in the end that?s all we can hope to do. He left behind a strong family that I have been fortunate enough to get to know a few of. There is no question that they live their lives in a way that made him proud. Thoughts and Prayers to Perry and all of the family. "

"To the Meyer family, the loss of a family member is the hardest part of life. Feel blessed to know all the people Mr. Meyer influenced in a positive way. His leadership impacted students and educators for generations. Yes, I was one of those who occupied a chair outside his office door on occasion at Franklin Elementary & thank goodness I absorbed his advice and discipline in a positive way. (Respect) I had the pleasure of saying hello to Mr. Meyer and his wife in the past 6 months at lunch at Calvin Rockett. My condolences to the Meyer family. Dean Fogarty"

"So sorry to hear of Mr. Meyer's passing. He was my principal at Hansen Elementary and Franklin! He somehow combined all the 5th grades at Franklin and all of the 6th grades at Hansen. His intention was to introduce kids to one another before they started Junior High. My daughter had him as a principal, too. I was lucky to be involved in a parent/faculty committee with Duane. He was a great leader. Always thinking of ideas to improve our schools! So respected. We all were lucky to have him in our community. Dianna Heltsley-Bailey"

"I didn't get to have him for my principal very long, but he was an excellent one and I wish I could have had him for more time. He, along with you Erma, are such kind, loving people. He will definitely be missed. Sending hugs and prayers to you and your family, Erma."

"Mark Shill - Erma, I remember so well when you and Duane lived across the street from my parents and me. You are some of the most caring and kind people that I have ever been lucky enough to call friends. My sincere sympathy for your loss of Duane, you guys got to share such a wonderful life together. My prayers are with you and your family."

"Sending many Prayers to the Meyer Family . Mr Meyer was a great principal and a very sweet person. Erma and family you all all in my thoughts and prayers ."

"To Erma, remember when Ardie, you and I worked at Grundy Hospital as aides and you met Duane while sitting with Reka while she was in the hospital. It's been a long time ago. Prayers and sympathy go out to you and your family Barbara Maas Fisher"

"Mr, Meyer was my 6th grade teacher at Anson. What a fantastic year that was . He was always kind but could be tough when needed. Several years after my 6th grade years he was principal at Franklin for both of my kids. Will always have fond memories of him. Thank you for being a part of my life."

"Duane Meyers was my principal at Franklin school and I have such fond memories of him . He was so kind and caring ,his students we like family to him . I have had the privilege of being in his adult Sunday school class and will never forget all the kind words and prayers that he gave for my mom as she was going her surgery and later his kind words after her death . He was such role model for me . My sincere sympathy for you Erma and your family . Prayers and love . Jamie Bland"

"Mr. Meyer was my principal for my entire elementary school years. He was the kindest man I had ever met. He was always so caring and gentle. I remember him even bandaging up my knee when Mrs. Graves was not there one day. I pray for your family and send my deepest condolences. I am very sorry for your loss, he was one of the greats! I feel privileged to have known him. Angie Manship"

"With deepest sympathy to the Meyer family from your neighbors of many years. Nick and Mary Knickerbocker"

"Irma and family, Prayers and condolences to you. Lots of good memories. Vic & Carol "

"I feel very fortunate that Mr. Meyers was the principal during my entire grade school education at Franklin Elementary. I guess this man represented to me the first person outside of my parents that was an ultimate authority. The childhood warnings of my older sister to make sure that I stay inline to avoid a trip to "the principal's office" were easily understood. And I was able to avoid that visit, until the 6th grade, thanks Mary Elizabeth Preece for being a snitch! It was on the way back from lunch that I found a temptation to test my arm, could I possibly reach the glass windows, with the crab apples, almost 50 yards away? The answer was yes and I was off like shot. Later that afternoon, I was summoned to Mr.Meyer's office and to my surprise my mother was there as well. The guidance that I received on that afternoon has stayed with me for 54 years, it nipped in the bud, my career as a vandal. He wasn't yelling or mean (as all in grade school feared), just perfect in his explanation of actions and their consequences. Seeing Mr. Meyer in the ongoing later years he was always friendly and remembered me by name. He had such a calm and reassuring demeanor and I now know it's origin. I can only imagine the number of other students that benifited from his guidance. I'm sure there are many in Marshalltown that are grateful for his moral advice as well. My deepest condolences to all of Duane Meyer's family and friends."

"Sincere sympathy to the entire Meyer family. Lana Knickerbocker"

"In 1980 Duane and Erma welcomed MaryJo and myself to their neighborhood and the Marshalltown community. They introduced us to First United Methodist Church. We have worshiped with them for over 40 years. I have fond memories of Duane as a neighbor, good friend, fellow Promise Keeper and professional colleague. Duane was a man of integrity and was an outstanding role model to me. The friendship of the Meyers has truly been a blessing. Sending prayers to the entire family...Lee Vial"

"Erma and family, I was sad to read of Duane's passing. Many good flash backs came to mind. My mom enjoyed him as a principal and it was through her knowing Duane wanted to sell his car and mom knew I needed one. I named it Petunia Patience the Plymouth. Yes, Duane was a dedicated Christian to all who came in contact with him. When a Christian closes his eyes in this life, he opens them in the next. Sympathy and Prayers to your family. "

"So very sorry for your loss. I was a Franklin kid and remember Duane very well. One of the nicest folks you would ever meet. He will be missed by many."

"Erma, Perry, Randy and family, We are thinking of you in these days. Duane was a great principal and friend. We had a lot of good times at Franklin and at our get-togethers. Prayers for you all. Dixie and Dennis Walters"

"I am very sorry for your loss. He was my principal at Franklin and I thought he was a wonderful person"

"We are so sorry for your loss. We were blessed to have come to know Duane through our daughter as a student at Rogers elementary school. Even though he was only at Rogers for a year or two when our daughter was there he always asked about her whenever we ran into him in the community many years after he had retired. He had such a positive impact on those who had the good fortune to have known him. May your family find peace knowing that he now rests in the arms of his Lord and Savior"