Earle Duggan obituary

Earle Wayne Duggan, 95, passed away January 28 at North Port Rehab and Nursing Center in North Port, Florida.
Earle was born April 8, 1928 in Davenport, Iowa to James and Inez (Littig) Duggan. Earle grew up in Davenport and graduated from high school there. He enlisted in 1946 in the United States Marine Corps.
He was discharged in 1948. Earle placed first the in first two years of the Washington, DC Marine Corp Marathon.
Earle returned to Iowa and attended and graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree of Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and received his Masters Degree from Drake University in 1971. Earle married Betty Dennis on September 20, 1952 in Des Moines, Iowa.
Earle taught physical education and health for 10 years at Wallace, 14 years at Perkins and 11 years at Windsor Elementary, all in Des Moines. He also served as gymnastics coach at Roosevelt High for seven years. Earle and his wife Betty taught Sunday School at Union Park Presbyterian.
A former student reflects back to the gravel track on the east side of the gym where every spring students were timed in the 300 yard run – It was really way too many laps and truly dreaded by most. The only redeeming aspect was to take a quick glance behind, to see Earle running after us. Maybe that was supposed to enhance our times, but more likely, personal satisfaction for Earle that he could still keep up with the youngsters. Anytime someone accomplished something extraordinary Earle’s Tootsie Rolls were the huge reward. Many of Earle’s gymnasts began their careers in gymnastics at nine years old.
School gymnastic meets soon turned into state, regional, national and even world competitions. Earle was instrumental in getting gymnastics at the high school level in Iowa. The Roosevelt girls gymnastic team won five consecutive state titles with Earle at the helm.
Earle will long be remembered by former students as a teacher of responsible behavior, patriotism, and never quitting until you’ve done your best. And running the mile in 4 minutes, 12 seconds was Earle’s best. Earle was inducted into the Theodore Roosevelt Hall of Fame in 2019.
Earle and his wife Betty enjoyed retirement sailing on Lake Pepin in Lake City, Minnesota and were lifetime members of the Lake City Yacht Club, spending winters as residents of Punta Gorda, Florida.
Earle is survived by his wife  of 71 years Betty, one brother Philip, sister-in-law Marilyn Wilson, many nephews and nieces, and special friends Mark Lutjen and Jim Dailey.
Earle is preceeded in death by his parents, and one sister, four sister-in-laws and five brother-in-laws.
A private graveside memorial will be held in Des Moines at a later date.