LONE ROCK — DuWayne Marvin Luedtke, 78, a Vietnam War veteran, longtime agricultural worker and devoted husband and father, passed away peacefully on October 6, 2026, at MercyOne North Iowa in Mason City, leaving behind a lifetime of service, faith and treasured family memories.
Visitation will be held Sunday, October 11, 2026, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 2706 50th Avenue, Lone Rock, Iowa. Funeral services will follow Monday, October 12, at 10:30 a.m. at the church, with burial at Lotts Creek Cemetery.
DuWayne was born July 18, 1948, in Algona, Iowa, the son of Marvin and Loretta (Brattlund) Luedtke. He grew up in Northern Iowa and graduated from Sentral of Fenton High School in 1966.
Following graduation, DuWayne began working at Art’s Way Manufacturing before answering the call to serve his country. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1969, served during the Vietnam War and received an honorable discharge in 1971.
After returning home from military service, he went to work in road construction for Everds Bros. Inc., remaining with the company until 1979.
That year, DuWayne began what would become a remarkable four-decade career with Lone Rock Co-Op Elevator, later known as StateLine Cooperative. Working as a custom applicator and truck driver, he built a reputation for dependability, dedication and an exceptional work ethic.
For nearly 40 years, he took pride in his responsibilities and the people he worked alongside, finally retiring in 2017.
While his professional life was built on hard work, DuWayne’s greatest source of happiness was his family, particularly his wife, Sherri.
He married Sherri Boettcher on June 22, 1974, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Lotts Creek. Their marriage became the foundation of a life centered on faith, family and companionship.
Those who knew DuWayne understood the special bond he shared with Sherri. One of his favorite activities was simply going for a drive together, enjoying conversation, her company and a favorite beverage.
It was in those everyday moments that his deep love for his wife was often most apparent.
DuWayne was also devoted to Immanuel Lutheran Church, where he served on the finance board and cemetery corporation.
Every Sunday morning, he could be found in the front pew, proudly supporting Sherri as she played the church organ.
His commitment to helping others extended into the surrounding community. DuWayne volunteered with the Lone Rock Fire Department and was a member of the American Legion, continuing his dedication to public service long after his military years.
Away from work and community responsibilities, DuWayne loved spending time outdoors.
He especially enjoyed hunting trips with close friends Mark Behrends, Alan Luedtke and Jess Hutchinson. Fishing trips to Basket Lake Camp in Canada with extended family were another source of treasured memories.
But nothing meant more to him than being surrounded by loved ones.
Whether sharing a good meal, visiting with family or cheering from the sidelines at one of his grandchildren’s sporting events, DuWayne found great satisfaction in the accomplishments and happiness of those closest to him.
He was a proud father and grandfather whose steady presence, reliability and encouragement helped shape generations of family memories.
DuWayne is survived by his beloved wife, Sherri Luedtke, and their children, Mandi Holcomb and her husband, Jeremy; Dana Luedtke; and Tera Heyer and her husband, Ben.
He also leaves behind seven grandchildren: Jakob, Cody and Carter Holcomb; Bailey and Ayden Luedtke; and Robbi and Griffin Heyer.
Other survivors include his sisters, Judy Betterman and Susan Potratz and her husband, Robert, along with numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
DuWayne was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Loretta Luedtke; his brother, Terry Luedtke; and his brother-in-law, Jerome Betterman.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to Immanuel Lutheran Church in Lotts Creek or Breakthrough T1D, an organization supporting efforts to improve the lives of those affected by type 1 diabetes.
Family and friends may share memories, express condolences and learn more about his services through the DuWayne Marvin Luedtke obituary at Henry-Olson Funeral Home.
DuWayne’s legacy will live on in the family he loved so deeply, the church and community he faithfully served, and the countless people who came to appreciate his quiet strength and dependable nature.
From his service in Vietnam to four decades working in Northern Iowa agriculture, he lived by values that never went out of style: faith, hard work, loyalty and devotion to family.
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