Duane Bales

Duane Leroy Bales, 92, of Floris, Iowa passed away on April 15, 2026, at the Northeast Regional Medical Center in Kirksville, Missouri. He was born on September 28, 1933, at home in Davis County to Stanley and Florence Carlson Bales. He graduated from Bloomfield High School in 1951. Duane served in the Army from 1956-1962. He loved to talk about all his travels while in the service and he especially enjoyed the time he spent in Germany. Duane met Thelma Shadley and they were married on June 5, 1960. The couple settled on a farm near Floris and raised livestock and grain. To this union three children were born: Brent, Wesley, and Kelly who all currently reside in Floris. Thelma passed away on October 5, 2021. Duane worked for John Morrell and Company for over 19 years until the plant closed in April 1973. At which time Duane continued to farm and help with Don Horn Auction Service where he stayed for many years. Duane loved going to auctions. He also served on the Board of Directors for the Southern Iowa Electric Coop for 28 years. He is survived by three sons, Brent Bales, Wesley (Loretta) Bales, Kelly (Lisa) Bales; four grandchildren, Kyle, Lindsey and Sierra Bales (children of Kelly and Lisa) and Adrian Bales (son of Wesley and Loretta); three step-grandchildren, Josh (Cindy) Shepherd, Jeramey (Tammy) Shepherd, Justin Shepherd; two great-grandchildren, Henry Bales (son of Kyle Bales), Kolsen (son of Adrian Bales); three step-great-grandchildren, Kaydance Shepherd, Thomas Shepherd, Oakley Shepherd; two brothers, Oscar Bales, David (Diane) Bales; and a sister, Christina LaPoint. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; grandson, Quentin Bales; sister, Alice Walther; two brothers-in-law, Lloyd Shadley, Richard LaPoint; and two sisters-in-law, Rosie Shadley, Janet Bales. Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at the Floris Cemetery in Floris, Iowa with Pastor Mel Kendall officiating. Visitation will begin at noon on Monday with the family present to greet friends from 5-7:00 p.m. at the Wagler Funeral Home in Bloomfield. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to the family to be designated later.

Duane Bales

September 28, 1933 - April 15, 2026