Duane A. Vanderwerf, age 94, passed away peacefully Thursday, April 16, 2026, at Christian Community Homes in Osceola, Wisconsin.
Duane was born Dec. 4, 1931, to Sam and Goldie (Hunt) Vanderwerf in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota. He attended and graduated from Sleepy Eye High School, and at age 17, enlisted in the military. Duane served 21 years in the U.S. Air Force in the position of a radar operator. After retiring from the military, Duane worked for the State of Wisconsin, recruiting and helping employers staff their business. He retired in 1988.
Duane married Thelma (Hansen) on July 3, 1956, in Pine City, Minnesota. They were blessed with two children, Linda and Mark. Duane was a proud veteran and loved to volunteer in his community. He was a part of the Village Board in Dresser, the St. Croix Falls Ambulance board, the church board for Bethany Church (which is now Peace Lutheran Church), and was a volunteer for the Boy Scouts in Dresser.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 66 years, Thelma; parents, Sam and Goldie; and siblings, Lucille Hansen, Lillian Rudin, Gene, Wallace, Maxine D’Elia, Shirley Culp, Thomas, Sara Nolby, and Wilbert.
Duane is survived by his children, Linda (Ed Thoma) and Mark (Wendy); grandchildren, Justin (Amanda Dempsey) Vanderwerf, and Jordyn (Chuck) Darnell, along with their mother, Cindy Wilkie; bonus grandchildren, Ashlee (Chris) Kleveland, Tyler (Emily Tischleder) Nelson, and Kaitlyn (Logan McGrath) Nelson; great-grandchildren, Dakota Vanderwerf, and KJ and Janey Kleveland; and many nieces, nephews, other extended family and friends.
Family would like to sincerely thank the staff at Christian Community Home and St. Croix Hospice for the passionate care and support they received.
A memorial service for Duane will be held 11 a.m., Friday, May 8, 2026, at Peace Lutheran Church in Dresser, Wisconsin. Visitation one hour prior. Burial to follow at Peace Lutheran Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations are preferred to Peace Lutheran Church.
