Duane Earl Phifer, age 83 of Monroe, passed away on Saturday, November 26, 2022 at Pella Regional Health Center. Memorial services will be held on Friday, December 2, 2022 at 10:30 am at the Monroe United Methodist Church. A private family burial will follow at Silent City Cemetery. The family will greet friends following the burial back at the church with a luncheon. Memorials may be directed to the Monroe Fire Department and condolences may be left for the family at www.coburnfuneralhomes.com

The son of Earl and Edith (Warner) Phifer, Duane was born on December 12, 1938 in Des Moines, Iowa. He graduated from Monroe High School in 1957. Following high school, Duane served in the United States Air Force. On October 23, 1960, he was united in marriage to Kittie Jones. Duane worked in several jobs throughout his career, most notably at Armstrong Tire in Des Moines. Duane was a member of the Monroe Fire Department for over 61 years. He enjoyed being outdoors, working in the yard and attending his grandchildren's events.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Kittie; sons, Jeff (Eilleen) Phifer, Ryan (Jan) Phifer, Ward (Leanne) Phifer and Chad (Tina) Phifer; nine grandchildren, Aaron Phifer, Jacob Phifer, Claire Phifer, Rachel (Kevin) Ryan, Braden Phifer, Meghan Phifer, Joshua Phifer, Taylor Phifer and Nathan Phifer; and three brothers, Daryl (Linda) Phifer, Carroll (Gloria) Phifer and Ralph (Susie) Phifer. Preceding him in death were his parents, a grandson, Jacob Beck and his beloved dog Moon.