Francis C. Duncan passed away peacefully Saturday, May 16, 2025 at Maple Heights Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, where he had been a resident for the last five months.
Francis was born on December 4, 1938, in Falls City to Calvin and Edna Duncan. He was raised on a farm north of Falls City, where he learned the value of a hard day’s work.
He married the love of his life, Mary Duncan, on February 3, 1961, before leaving to serve in United States Army during the Korean era. Their marriage remained strong for 64 years until Mary’s passing on January 6, 2026.
Together they had one son, Rick Duncan (Cathy) of Hiawatha. Francis was a proud grandpa to Lindsey, Levi, Derek, Maggie, and Bailey, and a great-grandpa to Maverick and Ruby.
Francis was truly a jack of all trades. Over the years, he worked at Frontier in Falls City, drove a truck for Elliott Meat Locker, and spent time in law enforcement before finding his true calling as the “Helpful Hardware Man.” He began his retail career at Farm & City Supply in Falls City before eventually becoming co-owner of Hiawatha Farm & Home, which he operated with Mary by his side until they retired and sold the business.
Anyone who visited Francis and Mary’s home was amazed by his yard. It was more like a botanical garden than a lawn. He had a remarkable green thumb and could grow just about anything, especially roses. You could usually find him outside in the yard or working in his shop, often accompanied by his favorite companion, Hope — or as Francis would proudly say, “the best dog ever.”
Francis would do anything for anybody. If you were fortunate enough to call him a friend, you knew you could always count on him.
He will be greatly missed by his family and friends, but it brings comfort knowing that Mary, Francis, and Hope are together again, still watching over all of us.
A Celebration of Francis’ Eternal Life is planned for 11 a.m. Friday, May 22, at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, Hiawatha.  Tony French will officiate. Military honors will be a courtesy of the Brown County Veterans Honor Guard.  Private family inurnment will follow at Hiawatha Cemetery.
Friends may sign the register book from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Thursday.  The family will meet with friends one hour prior to services Friday.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Brown County Humane Society sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St., Hiawatha 66434.
www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com