Duane Dale Stoll

Duane Dale Stoll, age 92, passed away on August 20,2026, surrounded by the love of his family. He lived a life of joy and laughter and never met a stranger. Whether standing in the grocery line, at the gas pump, checking out a new campground or at the Iowa State Fair.  He had a gift of gab and always had a twinkle in his eyes.

We invite family and friends to join us in honoring and celebrating the life of Duane, a life so deeply loved and cherished. Visitation will be held on Friday, August 28, 2026, at 11:30 a.m., with the funeral service beginning at 12:00 p.m. at Merle Hay Funeral Home Chapel, 4400 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines, Iowa. Following the service, we will lovingly lay Duane to rest at Glendale Cemetery, 4909 University Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa. After the burial, family and friends are invited to return to Merle Hay Funeral Home Chapel for a luncheon, where we will gather together to share memories, stories, and the love that will always keep Duane close in our hearts.

Duane was born on November 1, 1933, to Howard Dale and Wilma Lanoir Stoll in Andover, Missouri.  He grew up on a farm in Lamoni, Iowa with his brother Larry and his sister Janet. He graduated from Lamoni High School in 1952 where he participated in the FFA, Choir and played football.

After graduation, he began his long-time employment with Northwestern Bell Telephone/US West.  He met the love of his life, Betty, at the Corner Café in Chariton when he came in for lunch and repeatedly returned.  They were married on August 29, 1954. This year would have been their 72^nd wedding anniversary.

In March of 1956, Duane was drafted into the US Army and deployed to the Panama Canal Zone as a communications specialist.  Betty joined him in Panama, and their first child, Kim, was born in February 1958. Duane came home from Panama in March 1958 and served as a reservist until his Honorable Discharge in1963.

Duane continued working for NW Bell/US West until his retirement in October 1992. After retirement he began the work, he was most proud of, joining his son, Chris, in C &D Stoll Construction. He and Betty also became Winter Texans traveling to the Rio Grande Valley for many years.  Their children and grandchildren visited many times and enjoyed picking grapefruit, shopping in Mexico, listening to music, and exploring the Texas beaches.

Duane’s farmer roots became a passion for gardening which he passed on to his children and grandchildren. He was an avid fisherman and many in the family share his passion, if not for fishing, for eating fresh fish! Whether at church fairs, Bell Telephone parties, family or neighborhood gatherings, Duane loved making homemade ice cream!  He enjoyed watching sports, especially the Hawkeyes! He and Betty built the family tradition of camping at the Iowa State Fair, which continues today. No matter what music he heard, you could count on his foot to be tapping. The entire family continues to explore and enjoy a wide range of music.  He and Betty even became square dancers to their children’s amusement.

Duane is survived by his children, Kimberly Nettleton of Houston TX; Christopher (Janine) Stoll of West Des Moines, Iowa; and Susan (Terry) Smith of Robins, Iowa and his cherished grandchildren, Alec (Amanda) Nettleton of Littleton, Colorado; Kelby Nettleton of Houston Texas; Emily (Jarred) Stoll of Des Moines, Iowa; Zachary (Ashlei) Stoll of Des Moines, Iowa; Brandon (Natalie) Smith of Marion, Iowa and Kathleen Smith of Robins, Iowa.  He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Duane was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Betty and his parents Howard Dale Stoll and Wilma Lainor Stoll and his siblings Janet Rew and Larry Stoll, along with many nieces and nephews

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Memorial contributions may be directed to the Blue-Ribbon Foundation at the Iowa State Fair in hopes of planting a tree on the fairgrounds in honor of Duane and Betty or to the Alzheimer's Association.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to St. Croix Hospice for their compassionate care and support; and to the many caregivers at Meadowview of Clive for providing Betty and Duane a place to call home.