Duane Hannasch

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Bio

Duane William Hannasch was born on November 24, 1928, in Templeton, Iowa. With the outbreak of the Korean War, Duane answered his country’s call, receiving his draft notice in January 1951. He reported to Fort Riley, Kansas, for basic training and service in the United States Army’s 3rd Armored Division, while his brother and brother-in-law were also drafted and eventually deployed. Despite the uncertainty and distance, Duane’s bond with his sweetheart, Anita Koster, remained strong. After basic training, the two were reunited and married in Breda, Iowa, before Duane was sent to Fort Meade, Maryland. There, he attended baking school and spent six months cooking for the medical training unit, before being reassigned to Fort Knox, Kentucky, where he served as the officer mess hall cook, preparing meals daily for over 80 officers.

Duane’s two years of dedicated service concluded in December 1952. He made his way home to Iowa, hitchhiking rides across states to arrive at his family’s farm in time to celebrate his newborn son’s first Christmas. Nearly seventy years later, Duane and Anita still recall his dog tag number—US 55076916—a symbol of a pivotal time in their lives. Their lives together have been blessed, with five children, eight grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren.