Doug Duncan, a former Spencer fire chief, passed away on Friday, February 27, 2026, at Park View Rehabilitation Center in Sac City, at the age of 74 years old.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Kathleen “Kate” Duncan, who took her last breath on November 13, 2024, at her home in Sac City at the age of 75.
Born on July 14, 1951, Doug Duncan came from Sac City originally, though he lived and worked in Spencer for a long time.
He spent 27 years leading the Spencer Fire Department as chief. He showed real dedication to his job, to helping the public, and to keeping up the old traditions of firefighting and safety.
While he was in charge, a lot got done that made the department better. He played a big part in getting the city to buy its first ladder truck.
He also helped with adding on and fixing up the fire station that the department still uses today. On top of that, Doug got Spencer Fire started as an EMS service, which brought medical help right along with fighting fires.
Following his demise, the Spencer Fire Department put up a post on their Facebook page Monday afternoon to remember him. They said his leadership guided the firefighters and moved the whole department forward.
As Fire Chief, he carried the responsibility of leading the department and the firefighters entrusted to his command. During his tenure, he helped guide the department through several significant milestones, including the purchase of Spencer’s first ladder truck, the expansion and addition to the fire station, and the implementation of Spencer Fire as an EMS service.
His leadership supported those who wore the badge alongside him and helped move the department forward. These accomplishments played an important role in the continued development of the Spencer Fire Department and helped shape the firefighters who followed.
The department sent its deepest sympathy to his family, his friends, and everyone who worked with him over the years.
A celebration of life is planned for both Doug and his wife, Kate. The service will run from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at the South Park Shelter House on South 12th Street in Sac City.
Deacon Butch Stone will officiate. After that, there will be an interment at Oakland Cemetery in Sac City. The Farber and Otteman Funeral Home in Sac City is taking care of all the arrangements.
Doug Duncan left behind a legacy of solid service in northwest Iowa. People who knew him or worked under him will remember how much he cared about the community and the men and women on his team.
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