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William "Duke" L. Hobbs

Feb 1, 2022 (0)

William "Duke" Lee Hobbs, 75, of O'Neill, formerly of Ewing, died Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2022 at his home in O'Neill.

Visitation was held Sunday, Jan. 30, 2022 at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Ewing with a parish rosary.

Funeral services were held Monday, Jan. 31, 2022 at the church in Ewing.

Burial was in the St. Peter's Catholic Cemetery in Ewing.

Memorials may be made to the family for future designation.

Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill was in charge of the arrangements.

William Lee "Duke" was born Feb. 10, 1946 to William A and Arlene (Schiffbauer) Hobbs in Ewing. Duke attended Ewing High School and graduated in 1964. 

As a child, he enjoyed playing marbles and helping his mother with tasks. Duke was a talented athlete, he loved playing football and baseball. At one time, he was known as the ‘Fastest Man in Holt County.’ Being in and on the water was a great joy for Duke as well, whether it be fishing or forming human pyramids while water skiing with his buddies.

Duke met and later married Molly Beth Johnson on Oct. 31, 1965. The couple were blessed with four children Holly Jean, Charles William, Emily Jane and Julie Anna. Duke and Molly raised their children just outside of Ewing. There he continued the family tradition of being a hard working cattleman.

Duke had a passion for horse racing, a passion that took him all over the country. He won Iowa Breeder of the Year multiple times, and also a TOBA National Award, honoring the achievements of Thoroughbred owners and breeders. Even through his many achievements, he was most satisfied watching his horses graze at his ranch.

Duke received his pilot’s license in 1968 and had an immense passion for flying. The peace and the freedom that went along with being alone in the sky, brought Duke happiness. He built and maintained many friendships at the O’Neill Airport and passed on his passion for flying to his son and son-in-law.

Duke was a quiet man who never wanted attention from his generous philanthropy, he was just drawn to help where he could. 

In his later years, Duke and Molly enjoyed traveling, spending time with grandchildren and attending ball games. Duke was a loving father and patient grandfather. He leaves a legacy of faith, hard work, dedication and generosity.

Duke is survived by his bride of 56 years Molly Beth (Johnson) Hobbs of O’Neill; along with their four children and families Holly Boeka of Birmingham, AL and her children Forrest, Gunnar, August and great-granddaughter Natalie; Charles Hobbs of O’Neill and his children Tate and Caleb; Emily (Allen) Hagaman of Delray Beach, FL and their children Frank and Frederick; and Julie (Kevin) Barlow of O’Neill and their children Charles, Samuel, Annabelle, Benjamin and Isaac; one brother James (Kristen) Hobbs of Spearfish, SD; six sisters Patricia Brion (Joe) of Omaha, Jeanne Fry of Norfolk, Teena (John) Moser of Clearwater, Becky (Dan) Koenig of Ewing, Teresa (Randy) Hawk of Gretna and Germaine (Todd) Bollwitt of Ewing; one sister-in-law Sara Ahlmann of Norfolk; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Duke was preceded in death by his parents William A. and Arlene Hobbs; stepmother Judith Hobbs; one sister Sharon Steskal; and threebrothers-in-law Ron Brion, Jack Fry and Harold Ahlmann.

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