CLEAR LAKE — Richard “Dick” Leroy Kaduce, 95, of Clear Lake, a Korean War veteran and longtime Iowa Department of Natural Resources employee whose career took him to several of the state’s treasured parks, passed away November 3, 2026, at Oakwood Care Center. A devoted outdoorsman with a memorable sense of humor, Kaduce spent much of his life appreciating the natural beauty of Iowa and sharing his love of hunting and fishing.
A celebration of life memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, November 14, 2026, at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 310 First Avenue North in Clear Lake, with Lay Minister Al Berge officiating. Visitation will begin at 9 a.m., one hour before the service.
Inurnment will follow at Clear Lake Cemetery, where members of Clear Lake VFW Post 4868 will provide full military honors in recognition of Kaduce’s service to his country. A luncheon will follow the graveside services.
The family requests that memorial contributions be directed to Iconic Lands LLC, 260 Wentworth Avenue E., Suite 165, St. Paul, MN 55118, in his memory.
Born September 22, 1931, in Goodell, Iowa, Richard was the son of Daniel and Sena (Ruiter) Kaduce. He grew up in north-central Iowa and attended school in Klemme, graduating with the Class of 1950.
On June 17, 1951, he married Ruth Lacey at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Belmond. Their marriage lasted nearly 71 years, building a life together through the decades that followed.
Kaduce answered his country’s call during the Korean War, serving in the United States Army and attaining the rank of sergeant. His military service remained an important part of his life, and his family will honor that commitment with military rites at his final resting place.
Following his military service, Richard devoted years of his working life to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, beginning his career on the Spray Crew.
His work brought him to numerous state parks across Iowa, including Stone State Park near Sioux City, Fort Defiance State Park near Estherville, Pine Lake State Park near Eldora, Clear Lake State Park and Ledges State Park near Boone.
Those assignments connected his professional life with the landscapes, wildlife and outdoor experiences he appreciated so deeply.
Whether spending time around Iowa’s parks, pursuing a favorite fishing spot or enjoying a hunting outing, Kaduce’s affection for the outdoors remained a defining part of his life.
Family and friends also knew him for his sense of humor, a quality that brought laughter and personality to the many relationships he maintained over the years.
His family included his son, Tim (Ann) Kaduce of Clear Lake, and grandson, Seth (Shannon) Kaduce of Glenwood City, Wisconsin.
Other survivors include his sister-in-law, Norma Gerdes; brother-in-law, Ron (Carol) Lacey; and numerous nieces and nephews, including a niece who held a particularly special place in his heart.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Daniel and Sena Kaduce; his sisters, Arlene (Leland) Pommrehn, Freda (Thomas) Detoy and Delores (Don) Cole; and his brothers, Henry (Betty Chodur) Kaduce and Edward Kaduce.
He was also preceded in death by sisters-in-law Dorothy (Henry) Gerdes, Leola (Arnold) Nedved, Betty (Bill) Lacey, Betty (Arnold) Pralle and Elaine (Paul) Ristau; and brothers-in-law Elmer Gerdes and Roger Lacey.
Those wishing to share memories, offer condolences or learn more about the memorial arrangements may visit the Richard “Dick” Kaduce obituary and tribute page at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel.
From his service in the Army during the Korean War to his years helping care for Iowa’s state parks, Richard Kaduce lived a life closely tied to his country, his community and the outdoors. His appreciation for nature, dedication to family and enduring sense of humor leave warm memories for those who knew him.
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