- Born on: April 8, 1944
- Departed on: October 14, 2026
- Resided in: Des Moines, IA
John Franklin Duden
John F. Duden, 82, of Des Moines passed away peacefully on October 14, 2026, surrounded by his family at the VA Hospital in Des Moines.
John was born on April 8, 1944, to John and Marie (Streit) in the family home in Pomeroy, Iowa. He grew up in Pomeroy, then lived in the Des Moines area most of his life. His first job was on the railroad, working for Illinois Central, before entering the U.S. Air Force. After serving in Viet Nam, and reaching the rank of Master Sergeant, John retired from the Air Force but continued to serve as a fireman in the 132d Wing of the Iowa Air National Guard in Des Moines.
After the Air Force, John worked in the Federal Protective Service of the United States Government, retiring in January 2001. During this time, he also served as a Polk County Sheriff Reserve officer. After retiring from the Federal Protective Service, he worked part-time for the Des Moines Public School District.
John was a member of the Masonic Lodge #478 of Twin Lakes in Rockwell City, Signet Chapter #1 Order of the Eastern Star in Sac City, Des Moines Scottish Rite and the Za-Ga-Zig Shriners, Amvets Post 2, Elks Lodge #98, and Moose Lodges.
John always had a passion for railroads, which eventually led him to the railcar “speeder” hobby. After purchasing one, he became a member of the First Iowa Division of the North American Railcar Operators Association (NARCOA) and participated in club excursions all over the Midwest and many southern states.
John was preceded in death by both of his parents and his half-sister, Rosemary Dougherty. He is survived by his son, John P. Duden and his companion, Jalisha, and her daughter, Payton; daughter, Jenna Buzzard (Jeff) and grandson, Benjamin; sister, Patricia Smith (Ed); several nieces and nephews; and “his lady Zee,” Zella Charlson.
A celebration of life is scheduled for Thursday, November 12th, at the Elks Lodge #98 in Pleasant Hill, Iowa, from 4:00 – 7:00pm. “Papa Duden” was never one to be in the spotlight, so his celebration will be more a time of gathering and sharing without any formal program. John will be laid to rest at Union Cemetery in Pomeroy at a later date in a small, private service with close friends and family.
