Funeral services for Dwayne Fiscus, 92, of Churdan will be held May 23, 2024, at Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home in Jefferson.
Words of comfort will be offered by Pastor Isaak Wangler of Abundant Life Church in Jefferson. Honorary bearers will be Dwayne’s grandchildren Emily Rhoades, Brian Rice, Alicia Paup and Tricia Owens, and his great-grandchildren Clara Rhoades, Cora Rhoades, Cade Rhoades, Kassidy Owens, Alayna Owens and Karter Owens.
Casket bearers will be Tim Rhoades, Dustin Owens, Bryan Fiscus, Kent Curtis, Travis Curtis and Tim Hinners. Interment with military honors will be at Highland Township Cemetery in Churdan.
Gilbert “Dwayne” Fiscus, the son of Clifford and Josie May (Gilbert) Fiscus, was born January 19, 1932, in Des Moines. He was the oldest of four boys.
Dwayne started school in Davenport where his dad worked at the John Deere factory. When Dwayne’s grandpa passed away, the family relocated to Greene County to farm. Most of his childhood was spent near Farlin, where he loved to run the Farmall Super M tractor and care for the Guernsey milk cows with his three younger brothers.
Dwayne did not complete high school so he could help raise the family and run the farming operation when his father became ill. In 1949 Dwayne bought a brand new Harley Davidson motorcycle that he often rode to work at a factory in Perry.
Dwayne met his future wife, Marjorie Curtis, at a baseball game in Farlin where she was impressed by his black 1948 Studebaker Land Cruiser. Marj had just gotten her driver’s license and persuaded Dwayne to let her drive his car; it was the first of many dates. They were married June 1, 1952 in the First Baptist Church in Churdan.
Three months after their wedding, Dwayne was drafted to serve in the US Army during the Korean War in the 101st Airborne Unit. Dwayne spent most of 1952 to 1954 stationed in Germany as an airplane mechanic for small airplanes. When Dwayne returned from Germany, he worked various jobs around the Churdan area including the local lumber yard, implement dealer, and helped several local farmers.
Three daughters were later born: Sheryl, Shonda, and Sharla. Dwayne served on the police department and fire department for many years and listening to the police scanner became a lifelong hobby. If something was happening in the county, Dwayne was informed.
When his youngest daughter Sharla was in high school, Dwayne studied with her and completed his GED. Dwayne spent most of his career working for Consolidated Cooperative as a refined fuel sales and delivery driver before he retired in 1997.
Dwayne was a member of the Churdan American Legion and an active member of the First Baptist Church in Churdan, where he served as a deacon. Dwayne and Marj enjoyed many winters in Arizona where he liked to watch and fly model airplanes and tried to keep up with Marj’s various social activities and shopping trips. Dwayne enjoyed time with his four grandchildren and in recent years his six great grandchildren.
In 2014 Dwayne was able to take the Honor Flight to Washington D.C. which was a wonderful experience for the entire family. In 2015, Marj passed away unexpectedly, and Dwayne relocated to various apartments and assisted living facilities in the area where he made friends and enjoyed his shopping outings.
One of his favorite things was camping, which created countless memories with family and friends over the years. Dwayne also enjoyed watching TV, sports, airplanes, motorcycles, and annual trips to the Clay County Fair. Much of Dwayne’s retirement was spent in the car at Walmarts and shopping centers, waiting on Marj to buy gifts for her family and friends.
During his lifetime, Dwayne encountered many health struggles but was resilient and often surprised his family by his ability to overcome the challenge. His family often teased him about his determination and stubborn attitude.
The most beloved and treasured people in Dwayne’s life were his grandchildren Emily, Brian, Alicia, and Tricia, and his great-grandchildren Clara, Cora, Cade, Kassidy, Alayna, and Karter.
Dwayne died peacefully on May 17, 2024, surrounded by family at The Lakeside Village in Panora with the assistance of Care Initiatives Hospice. Dwayne lived a full life to the age of 92 years, 3 months and 29 days.
He is survived by his daughters Sheryl Rice of Ankeny, Shonda (Bill) Crooks of Boone, and Sharla (Brad) Paup of Jefferson; grandchildren Emily (Tim) Rhoades of Polk City, Brian Rice of Des Moines, and Alicia Paup and Tricia (Dustin) Owens of Jefferson; great-grandchildren Clara Rhoades, Cora Rhoades, Cade Rhoades, Kassidy Owens, Alayna Owens, and Karter Owens; brother and sisters-in-law: Delbert (Marilyn) Fiscus, Rheta Fiscus, Rozetta Fiscus, and Lois Curtis: many nieces, nephews and extended family and friends including many grand-dogs.
He is preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Marjorie Fiscus; parents Clifford and Josie May (Gilbert) Fiscus; brothers Dwight Fiscus and Dean Fiscus; brother-in-law Charles Curtis; and son-in-law Duane Rice.
Services were arranged by Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home, Jefferson.
