Duane Alan Gummert

Duane Alan Gummert, 75, of Grundy Center, Iowa; passed away on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at his home in rural Grundy Center. Memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, August 23, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at Abels Funeral and Cremation Service, Engelkes Chapel in Grundy Center. Memorials may be directed to the family. 

Duane was born in Marshalltown, Iowa on February 15, 1950. He was the oldest of three sons born to Donald and Reba Gummert. He graduated from Grundy Center High School in the class of 1968 and remained in the Grundy County area, working in agriculture for his entire life.

A true farmer at heart, Duane loved livestock and farming. He especially loved horses and cattle. He enjoyed showing cattle at the fair with his sons. He enjoyed many hours of trail riding. On one Pine Lake Saddle Club ride, Duane met his wife, Melissa. They went on many happy trail rides for decades thereafter. Duane and Melissa attended many rodeos, including ten National Finals Rodeos in Las Vegas and several Cheyenne Frontier Days.

Duane loved his John Deere tractors. He did not mind when he had to give up driving but was extremely disappointed when he had to give up riding his tractors and having to sell them.

Duane will be missed for his quiet dry wit that would surprise and amuse those around him. May Duane find eternal peace in the prairieland of heaven, riding close beside his Father!

Duane is survived by his wife, Melissa Kole-Gummert of Grundy Center, Iowa; sons David Gummert of La Porte City, Iowa, and Chris Gummert of Chicago, Illinois; brothers Darrell (Debbie) Gummert of Flora, Illinois, and Lonnie (Bev) Gummert of Cedar Falls, Iowa; granddaughters Katie Gummert of Evansdale, Iowa, and Sophie Gummert-Hughes of Des Moines, Iowa. Duane was preceded in death by his parents.