William “Bill” Richard Durian, age 89 of Oskaloosa, IA, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at the Mahaska Health Partnership Hospice Serenity House in Oskaloosa, IA.
Bill was born on December 11th, 1936, in Wellman, Iowa at their family home. He was the son of Richard Durian and Marcella (Flanders) Durian. He was a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, and uncle.
Bill graduated from Wellman High School in 1955. After high school he worked various jobs from farming to truck driving. In 1958 he signed up for the National Guard, and completed all basic training, and spent 7 years as a member of the National Guard. On November 28th, 1959, Bill was united in marriage to Janet Kelley in Kinross, Iowa. They were married for 66 wonderful years. Unto this marriage, 3 children were born. Bill was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. For the majority of his life, Bill was an over-the-road truck driver. He hauled feed for Super-Sweet Feed, was an owner/operator for DRS, and most recently hauled for IDI Trucking out of Portland, Oregon.
He enjoyed fishing, hunting, mushroom hunting, playing cards, wordsearches, books, and camping. Bill and Jan spent many years traveling to Texas for the winter to camp where he enjoyed fishing and spending time with friends. Bill passed on his love of hunting and fishing to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He also enjoyed going to watch his grandchildren and great-grandchildren participate in all their various activities. Bill enjoyed wildlife of all kinds, especially knowing the different species of birds that would make an appearance at his birdfeeders. He enjoyed taking his yearly hunting and fishing trips to South Dakota with his son, his brothers, 2 nephews, Chris and Richard Jones and his grandson, Kyle and extended family.
Bill is survived by his loving wife, Janet (Kelley) Durian; three children: Kevin Durian, Melissa (Roy) Harwood, and Marci (Brian) Neely. Seven grandchildren: Kyle (Amanda) Harwood, Zachary Durian, Elizabeth (Joshua) Johannes, Jessica (Jarren) Wiersma, Tara (Owen Vore) Durian, Margaret Neely, and Jack Neely. Five great-grandchildren and five bonus great-grandchildren: Blaine Padgett, Henry Harwood, Oliver Harwood, Cullen Dyke, Violet Wiersma, Maddison Johannes, Jep Johannes, Zeke Johannes, Lexi Vore, and Maci Vore.
Bill is survived by his siblings: Fred Durian, Rosemary Humphreys, Nick (Arlene) Durian, Duane (Judy) Durian, MaryEllen (Jerry) Jones, Jerry (Diane) Durian, Joe (Sue) Durian, Jim (Val) Durian, and Celeste (Kim) Croskrey. His brother-in-law: David (Ruth) Kelley. His sisters-in-law: Debbie (Randy) Kelley-Melsha, and Denise (Scott) Wiles. Bill is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and extended family that loved him dearly.
Bill is preceded in death by his parents: Richard and Marcella Durian; his brothers-in-law: Mark Humphreys, James Kelley, and Edgar (Kay) Kelley; his sisters-in-laws: Sue Durian, Jolleen Durian, Judith (Sonny) Fisher; a daughter-in-law: Susan Durian; his father-in-law: Orville Kelley; and a nephew: Kelly Durian.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, March 26, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. in the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Oskaloosa with Reverend Charles Fladung and Reverend Joseph Phung concelebrating. As was Bill’s wish his body will be cremated following the ceremony. Military honors will be given by members of the Oskaloosa American Legion and V.F.W. following the Mass. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Visitation will begin Wednesday after 12 noon in the Bates Funeral Chapel. The family will be at the funeral chapel on Wednesday evening from 4-7. Everyone is welcome to join them in praying the Rosary at 7:00 p.m. at the funeral chapel. Memorials may be made to the Oskaloosa Shooting Team or may be made to the family.
Though he may be gone, his stories, lessons, and love will live on forever in the hearts of his family and friends.
