Obituary for Jack Lee Duling

Mr. Jack Lee Duling, 92, of Shellsburg, IA passed away June 20th, 2025 at St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids, IA from sepsis following a blood clot and surgery, surrounded by three generations of his family.

Jack was born on October 30th, 1932, in Indianapolis, Indiana, the son of James Duling and Lois (Jackson) Duling and graduated from Prophetstown High School (1950), Prophetstown, IL.

Jack was united in marriage to Charlotte LaVonne (Sandrock) Duling on February 19th, 1956, in Prophetstown, Il. Jack proudly served in both the Navy, as a Machinist Mate II, working in the boiler room aboard the Miles C. Fox DDR 829 from 1951 to 1955. He also served in the Air Force, was trained in electronics, before becoming an electronics instructor at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, MS from 1956 to 1960. His military career took him to Cuba, England, Italy and Switzerland while his ship toured the Mediterranean, the Gulf of Mexico and the Eastern seaboard. Jack worked for Rockwell Collins as an engineer both teaching Flight systems and serving as a Field Service Engineer for 37 yrs. from 1960 to 1997. During his career he traveled all over the US and to Argentina, Columbia, England, France and Venezuela.
 
In addition to his work, he designed and built two homes. His passions included farming, firearms, carpentry and teaching general handyman knowledge. He farmed with his father into his 30’s before acquiring a farm in Shellsburg in 1995. He spent his retirement years farming and helping his sons on their projects. Jack loved to laugh and tell stories from his life.

Jack is survived by his wife of 69 years, LaVonne Duling; son Dan and wife Teresa (Davis) North Liberty; son Ed, Midway; son Bruce, and wife Jennifer (Schilling) Riverside. He is also survived by six grandchildren, Michelle Schneider (Russ), Laura Jewell (Christina), James Duling (Ali), Jessica Duling (Sam), Monica Hargis (Dewey) and Rayce Duling as well as four great-grandchildren, Dean Schneider, Sam Schneider, Nicholas Jewell and William Jewell. Preceding him in death were his parents and his close cousins Tom Jester, Gary Jackson and Gladis Webster(Jackson).

A Celebration of Life with Jack’s family and friends will be held 2-5 PM, on Saturday, September 13th, 2025, at Stirlingshire of Coralville, 1140 Kennedy Parkway, Coralville, IA 52241. Food and drinks will be provided.

Please bring any photos and/or stories/remembrances you have of Jack. He would have loved for us to recall them and share with everyone.

Memorial donations may be directed to the American Diabetes Association and the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital