Duane Louis Vaudt 90, died Thursday January 8, 2026, at Oakwood Care Center, Clear Lake.
A prayer service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 310 First Ave. North Clear Lake, Iowa 50428; with Pastor Adam Henaman officiating. The family will greet friends from 1:30 p.m. until the time of the prayer service. Burial will follow at the Clear Lake Cemetery, Clear Lake, Iowa. Memorials may be directed in care of Duane’s family.
Duane Louis Vaudt was born September 2, 1935, on a farm near Livermore, Iowa, the son of Herman and Martha (Lund) Vaudt. He attended Whittemore High School and began his working years at Fleming Hardware Store.
On December 16, 1957, Duane was united in marriage to Joan Price in Wesley, Iowa. The couple made their home in Forest City and were blessed with two children Debra and Dennis.
Duane worked for Forester Travel Trailers in Forest City for several years. In 1968, they moved to Clear Lake, Iowa, where he was employed at Advanced Metal Design and Fieldstone Cabinets. In 1975, Duane started his own business, Old Car Parts, which he owned and operated until his retirement in 1999.
Duane and Joan enjoyed camping together and spent many years traveling the Blue Grass circuit. Joan passed away on October 9, 1999. On November 8, 2003, Duane married Martha “Marti” Sokol.
Music was an important part of Duane’s life. Along with his friend Bob Law, he joined Elsie Vavrik’s band, The Jolly Three, entertaining residents at local care centers and assisted living facilities with old-time music. In his free time, Duane also enjoyed collecting old cars and motor scooters.
Duane is survived by his children Debra (Karl) Levisay, Dennis (Sarah) Vaudt; his wife of 22 years, Martha “Marti” Vaudt; bonus children, Neal (Joni) Sokol, Mitch (Lyn) Sokol, Michael (Jannessa) Sokol, Cheryl (Dan) Johnson, Gina (Jim) Morkel, Joe (Christine) Sokol, David (Whitney), Sokol; grandchildren, Elijah Vaudt, Zachary Vaudt, Heather Theis, Anna Vaudt, Andy Levisay, Cole Levisay, Shea Levisay; along with numerous bonus grandchildren; great-grandchildren; great-great grandchildren.
Duane is preceded in death by his parents Herman and Martha Vaudt and his first wife Joan Vaudt.
Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 310 First Ave North Clear Lake, Iowa 50428, 641-357-2193.www.coloniachapels.com
