BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

       Bobby E. Duncan, 64, Boone. Born in Boone. Boxholm HS-78. A 26 year veteran of the Iowa National Guard. After that retirement in 2006, he began work in '06 as the IT Administrator at the Boone County Courthouse and then in the IT Department of the Iowa Department of Transportation until full retirement in July, 2024. Married Chris Boersma in Boone in 1990. The family loved to travel, especially Disney World and cruises. He made his last Disney cruise last month. He built the families first home and first swimming pool. Enjoyed swimming, golfing, model trains, computer puzzle games and his pets. Survivors include his wife, Chris, and two daughters. Also surviving is his mother, Mary Duncan, his sister, Peggy Andersen and his best friend, Dave Ulrick. Services in Boone and Pilot Mound.   

      Timothy Lee Sauer, 63, Boone. Born in Boone. BHS-80. Earned an Associates Degree from DMACC. Born with spina bifida. As a result, was a paraplegic and used a wheelchair. Despite that handicap, he drove a car with hand controls and cultivated an intellectually active life, expressing himself through painting and other artistic endeavors. Tim was a movie aficionado, an avid collector of movie memorabilia and from an early age, was fascinated by dinosaurs. He also read widely on the topic of paleontology. Survivors include a brother, Charles (Heather) Sauer of Boone and a sister. Service at Linwood Park.

     Merle H. Muench, 89, Hastings, MN. Born north of Ogden. Army vet. Married Mary Troutman in 1962 in Ogden. The couple lived in Lincoln, NE before settling in Hastings in 1974. For 33 years, he was a supervisor at MAPCO. In retirement, he worked various jobs to remain social and engaged. Passionate about sports, he coached and participated as long as possible. Was also an avid hunter and loved fishing. Merle was well known for his ability to fix just about anything. His sense of humor and love for connecting with others made him a beloved figure in the community. Survivors include his wife, Mary, his four children and five siblings, some siblings from the Boone area, Marva Jean (Glenn) Stark, Merlin (Jody) Muench, John (Stephanie) Muench, Dwight (Dianna) Muench and Linda Trudo. A COL will be held in Hastings with burial at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.