"LINDSEY &DIXIELAND AND FAMILY'S I'M SO VERY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS "
In loving memory of
Richard I. "Duke" Wohlgamuth
July 14, 1932 - February 25, 2018
Richard I. "Duke" Wohlgamuth, 85, of Andrew, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, February 25, 2018, at his home encircled by loved ones.
A private family service and gathering will be held at a later date. A natural farewell with cremation has taken place. The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family.
Richard Ivo Wohlgamuth was born on July 14, 1932 in Lima, Ohio, to Ivo and Gertrude (Lippus) Wohlgamuth. He attended school in Ohio and served in the U.S. Army from July 1949 until receiving an honorable discharge in August of 1956. He married Vivian "Vickie" Miller who was the mother of all of his children. She died in a car accident in 1969. He later married Lori Swalwell on June 2, 1979 in Bellevue, Iowa.
"Duke" had worked various jobs throughout the years, starting first at Willey's Overland Motors in Toledo, Ohio. He then owned and operated Duke's Standard in Bellevue, and later as a mechanic for Joe Martin Auto in Maquoketa. He then worked at Caterpillar in Mt. Joy, and upon its closing he became the maintenance person at the Jackson County Public Hospital in Maquoketa and the Andrew Jackson Care Center. He had also served as the Andrew Town Marshall and as a Special Deputy for the Jackson County Sheriff's Department.
"Duke" was a member of the Joinerville Boat Club, Andrew Fire Department, and a 46 year member of the Bellevue American Legion Post #273. He enjoyed fishing, camping, boating, horseshoes, softball, bowling, darts and was an avid Chicago Cubs and Bears fan.
Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Lori Wohlgamuth of Andrew, IA; children, Dick (and his wife Cheryl) Wohlgamuth of Panora, IA, Kim Wohlgamuth of FL, Lindy McGranahan (Frank) of Eldridge, IA, Cindy Higgins of Eldridge, IA, and Dixie (and her husband Bob) Merritt of Ottumwa, IA; 7 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; and siblings, Dave, Bruce, Barb and Lee. He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Vickie, a brother Tom, and sisters Dorothy and Jane.
In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be directed to a charity of the donor's choice.
"Duke dearly loved his family and friends and loved spending time with them. Special thanks to Dr. Mark Herman, Tony Heiar and the entire Grand River Medical Group Oncology staff, and Hospice of Jackson County for their excellent care and support."
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.CarsonAndSon.com.
Tributes
"My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Duke was a special person, we had a lot of good times. Duke you will be missed. Steve Bowman "
"Oh Dory and Luke....in the words of Leigha, to this day this still makes me chuckle and remember so many good times with you. And the laugh we got out of this 5 years olds lil mix up of names. Words can not express how much we will miss Duker, but I rest easier knowing that he is all comfy looking down and guiding us to live our life to the fullest like he did. We will miss you tons and tons."
"So sorry to hear, my thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time."
"Our condolences to the family for Duke, your in our prayers"
"I first met Duke 20 some years ago at the camp grounds along the Mississippi River while visiting my sister, Kim. That guy knew his country music, could build the best (and biggest) campfire, tell a story like no other and joke your leg off. Duke always had a smile and took pride in being the most gracious host. He lived life to the fullest and made sure that when you were around him, that you did too. He was "one of a kind" and never knew a stranger, everyone became a friend. My sincerest sympathy to Lori, his family and all that knew and loved Duke. Rest well Duke....you will be missed. "
"May your memories sustain you in the weakest moments and bring smiles as you remember the good times you shared together. Deepest sympathies."
"Duke lived life to the fullest. We had so many good times together with Duke, brother Don, and myself. We fished, camped, played jarts, and softball numerous years. Duke had a unique laugh, unlike no other! Duke will be missed by all, but never forgotten, why, because we will always be bringing up some event or happening we shared together. My sympathy goes out to all of the Wohlgamuth family. From one veteran to another, I render a final salute to you. Rich Sommers Moline, Illinois"
"Joe Martin Auto brought together some good men who became good friends. Our dad, Dale, always enjoyed Duke's company. God bless all of you in your time of grief. Good times and good memories will ease your sorrow, I'm sure the fish are biting in heaven. Julie Brown and siblings"
"What a Duke! My sincere condolences to all the family. As sad as I was when I read the notice, I had to smile remembering what a great family man, friend, teammate (slick fielding first baseman), sheriff(ever though he did pick me up once!) and overall good guy the Duke was. We meet very few special people in our lives that never seem to have a down day and that's the way I will remember him. It's been over 50 years since I had the chance to play ball with Duke, "Cave" and the rest of the guys from Andrew but it sure was fun and those are neat and special memories for me. Again, my thoughts go out to all the family...RIP Duke. Steve Nielsen "
" Lori,Dick,Dixie,Cindy, Lindy an all the rest of the family. The only thing I can say is know this is very hard an trying. Just remember all the great an even not so good times. Each will have something in there that each of you took away in your heart an memories that no one can take away. You all will be together some day."
"Lori, Dick, Kim, Lindy, Cindy & Dixie. You all are in my prayers for comfort. God Bless you all"
"So sorry for your loss .we had many fun filled days with duke and kids as neighbors for many years he will be missed.no more visits in the back yards.he will be missed."
"Lori and family, we send many prayers to your family. We met Duke camping in the late 80's in Bellevue many memories were made. We thought of you for many years as Billy kept us up to date. May you find comfort and peace during this difficult time. Mark and Becky Murphy."
"Wow, where does one start? Great memories & fun times are my thoughts when thinking about Duke. I always enjoyed being around him and his entire family as you knew the time was going to be filled with lots of laughter. I spend a good many nights patrolling the streets of Andrew with him when he was the town sheriff. Just picturing that boyish grin of his makes me smile. I want to extend my sincere condolences to the entire Wohlgamuth family. Duke will be dearly missed by anyone who had the pleasure of his company. Bob Sommers Sun City, Arizona "
"Lori, So sorry to hear of Duke's passing. We will keep you and your family in our thoughts. Chad & Tanya Roeder and family"
"There are so many positive adjectives to desribe this man. What a jokester and fun guy to hang with! Duke was my brother Don's best friend. The last time I saw Duke was at the Andrew cemetery, my brother Don's burial. We are in Arizona for the winter. So sorry for your loss. May God Bless. Ron Sommers"
"To the Wohlgamuth family,
We are so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. He was such a wonderful man I could tell, by all the stories that Lindy had been sharing on facebook. May he rest in peace and watch over all of you."