Duane E. Jacoby

Duane “Buckwheat” Edwin Jacoby was born on July 10, 1952, the son of Edwin and Velma (Kluver) Jacoby in Denison, Iowa. He began his education at Manilla Elementary through the sixth grade, after which his family moved to Denison. He graduated from Denison High School with the Class of 1972. He then went on to attend Western Iowa Tech, where he earned an associate degree in animal science.

He started his career at Farmland Foods, working as a hog buyer, and later established a new buying station in Cumberland, Iowa. In 1979, he was promoted to assistant head hog buyer at the Denison plant. By 1984, he had accepted a position as marketing manager for Plainview in Sioux City, the largest independent hog company in the nation at the time. In 1987, he found a new opportunity with his close friend Charlie McVean at McVean Trading and Investments, based out of Memphis, Tennessee. He remained with the company until his passing, often saying he would never retire, and he never did.

On July 1, 2000, Duane met his beloved “Merry girl” on a blind date. They later married, blending their families into one, and made their home in Schleswig, where they shared a joyful life together.

Duane was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Schleswig. Throughout his life, he served on numerous boards, including the Fire Department and school board at Cumberland/Massena, the Schleswig City Council, and the board of the Schleswig Golf Course, serving 11 of his 13 years on the board as its President. He was especially proud to hold the role as president when the new clubhouse was built.

As an avid golf enthusiast, Duane enjoyed both playing and watching the game. He frequently attended spring training and was a devoted fan of the San Francisco Giants. He also appreciated vacationing at homes in Okoboji and Punta Gorda, Florida. Over the years, he maintained a garden and a cow/calf operation. Most of all, he treasured the time spent creating lasting memories with his family.

Duane passed away surrounded by family on Monday, August 4, 2025, at the Crawford County Memorial Hospital at the age of 73 years and 25 days. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Pat Messenbrink; and siblings in infancy, Dean and Diane.

Duane is survived by his wife, Merry Jacoby of Schleswig; children: Michelle (Larry) Herrig of Denison, Matt (Mindy) Jacoby of Story City, Melissa Jacoby of Denison, Meggan (Ryan) Brandmeyer of Ames, Mike (Kim) Jacoby of Clive and Jordan (Shayla) Petersen of West Bend; brother, Dennis “Jake” (Ilene) Jacoby of Denison; stepbrother, Allen (Sandy) Hansohn of Denison; 14 grandchildren; four step grandchildren; one step-great-grandson; nieces: Dawn Groth and Mickelle Kloock; nephew, Justin Messenbrink; and many other family members and friends.

Visitation with family greeting friends will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Schleswig. His funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, August 7, 2025, also at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Schleswig. Interment will follow in the Morgan Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

His funeral service will be live streamed to the Immanuel Lutheran Church Facebook page.