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.