Duane K. Ransom

Duane Keith Ransom, 74, of Ventura, passed away Aug. 3, 2023, at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center in Mason City. 

A funeral service was held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 9, at Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake.  Visitation was from 5-7 p.m. the night before at Ward Van Slyke. 

Duane was born Jan. 17, 1949, in Mason City, son of Francis “Keith” and June Maxine (Matzen) Ransom. He graduated from Ventura High School and later earned his AA degree at NIACC. Duane was a traveling salesman with NTI LTD for many years and retired in 2020.  After retirement, Duane inherited the bucket business from his father and brother and enjoyed going to the Clay County Fair every September.

Duane loved classic cars, ice fishing trips with the boys, NASCAR, watching old westerns (especially Wagon Train), and collecting coins. He was proud to have been able to take his daughter, Delishia, to Talladega nine years in a row.  Duane loved traveling the country for his job.  In retirement, he enjoyed driving to Georgia to see his grandchildren perform in community theater.  He made the 2-3 day trip nine times in two years and saw each musical at least three times.   

Duane was incredibly proud of his daughter, Delishia, for going to Howard and getting her Masters degree and for being a great mother to her two children. Duane enjoyed time with his friends and loved his girlfriend, Lori, dearly.  He developed Duane’s on Main as a gathering place for the community when things were closed in Ventura.  He took pride in being a part of the process to move grain bins out of Ventura and onto his family’s land north of town.

Duane is survived by his daughter, Delishia (Matt) Williams; granddaughters, Desiree and Irie Williams; girlfriend, Lori Krambeer; sisters, Nancy (Ken) Wilhelm and Julie (Gary) Holloway; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, friends and extended family. 

Duane was preceded in death by his brothers, Gary and Doug Ransom; and his parents, Keith and June.

Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements.