Duane Van Gorp

Robert Duane Van Gorp was born on August 11, 1947, in Oskaloosa, Iowa, to Robert and Macel Van Gorp. He resided in New Sharon and Manilla, Iowa, before graduating from Manilla High School in 1965. Duane served in the Army and Army National Guard. He earned his bachelor's degree in education from the University of Nebraska - Omaha.

Duane taught and coached in the Dallas Community School District. He was very proud that his basketball team earned the title of Sectional Champs/District Runner-Up in his first year as Head Coach in 1977-78 and then went on to Sub-State for the Iowa Boys' State Basketball Tournament in 1978-79. He enjoyed hearing from former students and athletes over the years. He transitioned from business teacher and coach to School Business Manager and Athletic Director for Dallas Center-Grimes CSD, and later served as Chief Financial Officer for the Saydel, Johnston, and Waukee Community Schools. He retired from the Waukee Schools in 2011.

Duane and Deb enjoyed many years of traveling to special locations...Maui, Hotel Del on Coronado Island, the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, professional baseball games, and Iowa Hawkeye Bowl Games. After enjoying many years of traveling to and from their second home in Arizona, Duane was "living his dream" when they moved there full-time in March of 2020. He resided there until his death on August 2, 2023.

Duane loved and cherished his family and friends. He leaves behind his wife Deb of 38 years, daughter Kari Dorrian and her husband Ron of Grimes; daughter Amy Larson and her husband Chad of Johnston; grandchildren, Bryan Dorrian and Hannah Hollins of Washington, DC; Dallas and Jessica Dorrian of Des Moines; Allison Dorrian, Grace and Anna Larson; and great grandchild, Wesley Dorrian; father-in-law Ralph Owens of Mesa; brothers-in law & sisters-in-law John Thomas of Dallas Center; Ralph & Michaela Owens of Ankeny; Rich & Sheryl Uhl of Sloan; Cyndi Owens of Minneapolis; and many nieces and nephews. Duane's father-in-law, Ralph Owens, passed away three days after Duane on August 5th.

He was preceded in death by his dad and mom, sisters Shirley Thomas and Sheryl Kain, mother-in-law Maxine Owens, and nephew Matt Uhl.

Duane felt so lucky to have such special relationships with extended family and so many friends. From his many valued colleagues over his 36-year career in K-12 public education to his fast-pitch softball days, Iowa Hawkeye tailgates, trips to Yankee Stadium (old and new), "snowbird" get-togethers...such great memories!

Deb, Kari, and Amy would like to invite family and friends to join them for Duane's "Farewell Happy Hour" on Saturday, August 26, 2 - 5 p.m. at Hyperion Field Club, 7390 NW Beaver Drive in Johnston. There will be social time starting at 2:00 p.m. with a celebration of memories at 4:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family will donate memorial contributions to Mayo Hospital and Clinics in Arizona.