It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Roxanne Duke Dane (nee Thesenvitz) on December 28th , 2019 due to complications of heart surgery. Roxanne will be missed by her family & many friends. She was born to Marian & Ralph “Doug” Thesenvitz on November 30th,1951 and grew up in the Normandy Park Neighborhood. She attended St Francis of Assisi for grade school and was the first graduating class Kennedy High School in ’67.

They lived near the Gregory Seahurst Pool and spent many summers there with friends and family. The times she treasured the most were those hanging out with her Dad, who was her ultimate hero, and her best friend and neighbor, Penny. Roxanne later met Kim Duke, who became her husband and father of her son, Jordan Duke.

Jordan was her pride and joy and she loved watching him grow into a soccer player, traveling far and wide for games and tournaments. She had a career in temp staffing and even owned her own successful business for many years. If you knew her well, you would know she was very persuasive, and she could sell just about anything to anyone, so she was a respected leader in that industry for a period of time.

After she retired due to disabilities, she spent her time with friends going camping, boating and living her best life. She loved to party!

After much anticipation, she had her first grandchild, Lily Duke, in 2014 and was thrilled! Lily deemed her Gma Rock and that suited her just fine. Willa was her second in 2017 and she was so eager to hear Willa speak and she was convinced she was going to be hilarious and have such a big personality. She attended ballet recitals, T-ball games, soccer games, holidays, swimming lessons and more just to spend whatever time she could with the girls. It was her drive in life and it fulfilled her more than she imagined. The girls will miss her wild spirit and gifts of balloons just because.

An unexpected chapter of love came late in life for Roxanne when she met Fred Dane in 2017. They met online and immediately had a connection. She had a new outlook on life and was trying to get her health back on track to enjoy more camping, boating and vacations with Fred and their new dog Buddy. They often did date night at the Dragon Gate where they split the Mongolian Beef and conversed with friends on a Friday night after Fred was off work. She treasured this time with him and though it was short lived it was nice to know she found love again before she passed. He truly did make her happy and we thank him for that.

She leaves behind her Mother, Marian Thesenvitz; Husband, Fred Dane; Son & Daughter in law, Jordan & Carly Duke; Grandchildren, Lily & Willa Duke; Sister, Dina Thesenvitz; Brother & Sister - in - law, Brad & Alanna Thesenvitz. Roxann was preceded in death by her Father, Ralph Douglas Thesenvitz.

What happened was unexpected & the details are unimportant to her story. What is important to know is that she was never alone. Kenny Rogers once said, "...the best thing you can hope for is to die in your sleep drifting away on a glorious dream..." Roxanne drifted off in a dream of great adventures to come. She was dreaming of Hawaii to see where Fred grew up. Walking barefoot on the wet sand, feeling the water slowly covering her toes. She is walking with ease now, breathing in the fresh air. No pain. Only joy.

Roxanne, our leader of all things good and fun is there for us anytime we need her. All we have to do is recall one of the many, many experiences she helped us with or one of the

super-cala-frag-il-istic

adventures we were lucky enough to be on with her.

A Wake for Roxanne will be held on Saturday, January 18​ @ the Dragon Gate Chinese Restaurant 22315 Marine View Dr. So. Des Moines 98198 206 - 878 - 7481 No Host Bar & Food The Wake Starts @ 5pm.

Please bring your favorite photo with or of Roxanne to share. We look forward to raising a glass with you in a toast to Roxanne's life.