LODI - Duane R. Richards, age 86, of Lodi, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at Home Again - Waunakee.

He was born on May 4, 1939, in Lodi, the son of the late Glenn and Helen (Patton) Richards.

After graduating from Lodi High School in 1957, Duane attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in agriculture in 1964. During his time at UW, he met the love of his life, Judith Ann Smith and they were married on July 7th, 1961.

Duane proudly served his country in the U.S. Army National Guard, where he trained as a Combat Medic. He went on to specialize as an X-Ray Technologist.

Together, Duane and Judy built a life rooted in family and farming in the Lodi area, where they lovingly raised their two daughters.

He was a member of Lodi United Methodist Church and the Lodi Valley Masonic Lodge #99.

Duane and Judy shared a love of travel, exploring the country, the Caribbean, and Hawaii. Yet their favorite retreat was their home in northern Wisconsin, where they embraced the changing seasons. A passionate outdoorsman, Duane found joy in hunting, fishing, and curling-his favorite winter sport. He competed in men’s leagues and mixed doubles at the Arlington Curling Club, often alongside Judy, with whom he shared many bonspiel victories. Duane was also a lifelong UW Badgers fan, and had season tickets to football, basketball and hockey over the years.

Duane loved being outdoors, working the land and observing nature. A family hobby going back several generations was raising and showing purebred sheep. Richards sheep became known nationwide. Another passion of Duane’s was collecting antique fishing lures. He was a member of the National Fishing Lure Collector’s Club and spent many enjoyable hours searching for lures, discussing them with his friends and attending regional and national shows.

In addition to Judy, his wife of 63 years, survivors include his daughters, Laurel Richards of Middleton, WI and Leslie (Jeffrey) Nevens of Lodi, WI; two grandchildren, Joelle (Ryan) Wendlandt and Andrew (Patricia “Tricia”) Nevens; two great-grandchildren, Melody Wendlandt and Charles Wendlandt; and his sister, Ellyn (John) Wrzeski.

Duane’s life was marked by devotion-to his family, his community, and the land he loved. His legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew him and in the traditions he so passionately upheld.

Funeral Service will be held at LODI UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 130 Locust St., Lodi, at 11 a.m., on Thursday October 23, 2025, with Reverend Carlos Careaga officiating. Burial will be held at Mount Pleasant Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Thursday. Memorials may be made to Blood Cancer United at https://pages.lls.org/ltn/wi/Capital25/LRichards or Lodi United Methodist Church.

The family would like to thank all who cared for Duane over the past few years. He encountered many wonderful people who were of great help and comfort.

For more information and online condolences please visit www.gundersonfh.com

Gunderson Lodi

Funeral & Cremation Care

157 S. Main St.

(608) 592-3201

Duane Robert Richards

May 04, 1939 - October 12, 2025

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