Duane Paul Wickman

Duane Wickman of Waucoma, IA died peacefully Thursday, February 12, 2026, at his home surrounded by family.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, February 19, 2026, at Trinity Lutheran Church in New Hampton with Rev. Dan Christansen officiating. Abraham Schmitt, Henry Schmitt, Adam, Schmitt, Harrison Schmitt, Jonathan Baker, Russel Wickman, and Jesse Wickman will be serving as pallbearers.

Friends may greet the family from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at Hugeback – Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in New Hampton. Visitation continues one hour prior to services at the church in New Hampton on Thursday.

Hugeback – Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in New Hampton has been entrusted with arrangements.

Born on October 10, 1946, in New Hampton, Iowa, Duane was the cherished eldest son of Elmer and Opal (Mau) Wickman and the guiding brother to four siblings. Throughout his life, Duane’s earnest and compassionate spirit touched the hearts of all who knew him.

Duane’s early education took place in a country school until the 8th grade, followed by his graduation from New Hampton High School in 1965. He was a proud member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in New Hampton, a testament to his enduring faith. Duane’s dedication to service was evident in his 26 years as a US Navy Seabee, with notable stationing in Puerto Rico, where he honed his skills and commitment to teamwork and leadership. Furthering his education, Duane attended Waldorf College and South Dakota State University, enriching his knowledge and preparing him for a lifetime of diverse endeavors.

A lifelong farmer, Duane’s love for the land was as deep as his Iowa roots. His tireless work ethic was also evident in his role as a sales associate for Arbie Scooter Feeds, where he was respected for his honesty and integrity. Duane’s passion for sports and his community shone through in his tenure as the New Hampton High School Boys’ Basketball Coach, where he mentored young athletes with patience and encouragement.

Duane’s interests were as varied as they were joyous. He found solace in the calm of Lake Meyer, building birdhouses that dotted the landscape like little homesteads for feathered friends. His love for the outdoors extended to fishing and hunting, activities that allowed him to connect with nature and instill a sense of conservation in others. Duane’s green thumb was evident in his bountiful garden, and his attendance at flower and produce auctions spoke to his appreciation for the beauty and bounty of the earth.

It was at Dairy Days in Fredericksburg where Duane’s life took a turn for the romantic. There, he met Kathleen Croell, and the two quickly found in each other a kindred spirit. On July 28, 1973, Duane and Kathleen pledged their lives to each other at Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Lawler. Their marriage was a partnership of love, respect, and mutual support that stood as a beacon of marital harmony to all who knew them.

Duane’s legacy is one of love, loyalty, and unwavering integrity. His memory will be carried forward in the hearts of his family, friends, and the many lives he touched through his work, his service, and his compassionate presence.

Duane is survived by wife of 52 years Kathleen Wickman; children: Annette (Adrian) Montano of Albuquerque, Sara (Greg) Schmitt of St. Lucas, Paul Wickman of New Hampton, Jeffrey Wickman (Tami Mai) of New Hampton, and Marea Schmidt of New Hampton; grandchildren: Aleya Montano, Hanna (Josh) Meyer, Abraham Schmitt, Holly Schmitt (fiancé Luke Geraets), Autumn Schmitt, Henry Schmitt, Adam Schmitt, Harrison Schmitt, Amara Schmitt, Rebecca Wickman,  Karley Wickman, Brooke Wickman, Russel Wickman,  Ruby Wickman, Jesse Wickman, Makayla Wickman, Kaylee Baker (fiancé Andrew Colyer), Grace Baker, Jonathan Baker, Annabelle Baker, Addison Schmidt and Evelyn Schmidt; great grandchild Arlo Meyer; siblings: Diana Speltz, David Wickman, Deborah Christiansen, Denise Straw; In-laws: Margie Steinberg,  Mabel Banwell, Carol Croell,  Jack & Leone O’Donnell, Roger Croell, Eileen Levin (Ron Oatney), David & Bobbye Croell; numerous Nieces & Nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Elmer & Opal (Mau) Wickman; son-in-law Brock Schmidt (2025); in-laws Richard & Leona Croell; sibling-in-laws: John & Rosemary Junko, Earl & Jeanette Nikolas, George Banwell, Bud & Patricia Croell, Teresa Johnson, and Ben Levin.

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