The journey of life for Duane Nelson Brouwer began on September 10, 1942, at Pella, Iowa. He was the fourth child born to Nellie (Goemaat) and Arie Brouwer. Duane grew up in Pella where he attended the Pella Christian Schools. Duane worked as a farmhand and at a very young age a brother-in-law taught him how to drive truck, a skill that Duane continued to use the remainder of his life. In June, 1964, Duane was inducted into the Armed Forces of the United States. He served in active duty with the Army until his honorable discharge in June, 1966, and then with the Army Reserves until June, 1970. Duane found fulfillment and gain while he continued his journey of life driving truck. He drove for Shinn Trucking at Knoxville, Iowa and for Vince Orr. Traveling and driving remained an integral part of Duane's life and he later pursued motorcycling. The enjoyment he found in driving truck and riding his motorcycle will remain as special memory in the minds and hearts of those whose lives he touched during his journey of life. On Friday evening, October 11, 2013, his journey of life on earth was completed and his family found peace in the belief that a new and better journey began. They are: his daughter, Brenda Sue, and her husband, Mark Horman, and her two sons: Brandon Shearer and Brad Shearer all of Knoxville; his son, Jason Arie Brouwer, and his wife, Jessica, and their daughter, Elizabeth Brouwer, of Grimes, Iowa; his sister, Le Larson of Knoxville; a sister-in-law, Wilma Brouwer of Pella; mother-in-law, Lena Vandenberg of Leighton; brother(s)-in-law, Ed Vandenberg (Janice) of Murray, Nebraska, Jim Vandenberg (Bonnie) of Omaha, Nebraska, Gary Vandenberg (Cindy) of Pella, IA, Tom Vandenberg (Rhonda) of Leighton, and several nieces and nephews. Duane was preceded in death by his wife, Laura (Vandenberg) Brouwer in 2005; his parents, Arie and Nellie Brouwer; and his two brothers: Donald Brouwer and Gary Brouwer. Duane was actively, affiliated with Christ's Church in Knoxville. He was interested in pursuing missionary work, enjoyed tinkering and was affiliated with the Aging Resources Division of Senior Nutrition.