Jeffrey “Duke” Charles Townsend

Jeffrey “Duke” Charles Townsend

Cedar Rapids

Jeffrey “Duke” Charles Townsend, was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, June 14, 1960, the son of Willis Wyatt and Norma Jean (Waters) Townsend. He grew up in the Springville area and graduated from Springville High School. Duke worked at ADM for over 25 years. On May 15, 1998, Duke was united in marriage to Katherine Ann Gorsh Murphy in Cedar Rapids. He enjoyed ice fishing, cooking, socializing with friends, traveling, driving semi and visiting 48 states with Kathy. Duke died on Friday, April 7, 2023, at the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City, at the age of 62 years.

Duke is survived by his wife, Kathy of Cedar Rapids; daughter, Tracie Murphy of Cedar Rapids; son, Sean (Wendy) Murphy of Columbia Falls, Mont.; grandchildren, Taylor Selck, Tyler Murphy, Talon Murphy, Treysen Murphy and Emma Hanson; a sister, Theresa (Dale) Miller of Des Moines; and a nephew, Zeb Townsend.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Willis Townsend Jr.

A Celebration Of Life visitation will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, April 16, at the Powell Funeral Home in North English. A general memorial fund has been established. Messages and tributes may be left at www.powellfuneralhomes.com.