CLEAR LAKE — Duane Edward Schlichting, 77, of Clear Lake, passed away Friday, June 26, 2026.
Born November 29, 1948, Duane was a lifelong Clear Laker whose life was deeply rooted in family, farming, faith and North Iowa community ties. He graduated from Clear Lake High School in 1967, where he wrestled as a heavyweight and was involved in FFA.
Those early years reflected qualities that remained part of his life — hard work, commitment to his community and a strong connection to the people and places of North Iowa. Clear Lake was not simply where Duane lived, but where he built his life, raised his family and formed lasting friendships.
Duane farmed and remained closely connected to the land and the Clear Lake area. His life was also closely tied to Roberta Jane “Bert” Schlichting. The two met in Clear Lake in the early 1970s and later married, building a life together before her passing in 2014.
He is survived by his wife, Debra; children Tara Schlichting, Teresa Baumann Morio and Casey Schlichting; grandchildren Anne Baumann, Josie Schlichting, Jack Schlichting and Will Baumann; siblings Ronald Schlichting, Jan Schlichting and Linda Schlichting; stepchildren; nieces, nephews and extended family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter Harry and Marcele Carolyn Schlichting; his first wife, Roberta; grandson John Edward Baumann; son-in-law Matt Baumann; and sister-in-law Sandi Schlichting.
A visitation will be held from 2:00 to 4:00 PM Sunday, June 28, 2026, at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 310 1st Ave. N. in Clear Lake.
A second visitation will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 AM Monday, June 29, 2026, at Zion Lutheran Church, 112 N. 4th St. in Clear Lake.
A memorial service will follow at 11:00 AM Monday, June 29, 2026, at Zion Lutheran Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to the Clear Lake Noon Lions Club or Zion Lutheran Church.
Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel is handling arrangements. To read more and see the full obituary, please click here.
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