Duane Woldt

Woldt, Duane\r\n MADISON-Duane Woldt, age 61, of Madison, passed away on Saturday, July 18, 2009, after a courageous nine month battle with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). He was born on Jan. 22, 1948, to Earl and Arlene (Haberman) Woldt, in Madison. Duane attended Marshall High School and graduated with the class of 1966. He was a member of the National Guard 13th Evac Unit from 1966 until 1972. Duane worked at M & I Data Center from 1968 until 1970 and then started employment with Wisconsin Power & Light Company. He was employed at Wisconsin Power & Light Company/Alliant Energy Corporation for 33 years before his retirement in 2003. From 2005 until 2008, Duane worked seasonal part-time for the City of Madison at Sycamore Recycling Center. He was a man who truly lived the word of God and was known for his kind spirit, compassion, and willingness to help everyone. Duane was involved in many community outreach volunteer activities, including St. Vincent de Paul volunteer, St. Dennis Catholic Church Mass server for funerals, St. Dennis eucharistic minister, founding member of St. Dennis Catholic Church grief ministry, Steering Committee member and Outreach Coordinator for The Compassionate Friends/Madison Area Chapter, and Sun Prairie Knights of Columbus volunteer. He had a wonderful zest for life and enjoyed visiting with old and new friends. Duane always had a smile on his face and you could hear his laugh a mile away. He loved spending time with his Marshall High School class of 1966 friends, enjoyed being a part of the Sun Prairie Knights of Columbus dartball team, thoroughly enjoyed every day of his retirement and traveling to Northern Minnesota to spend time with his two grandsons, taking great care in maintaining his yard and vehicles, collecting John Deere toy tractors, and attending local high school and UW sporting events. Duane loved all kinds of music but was a number one fan of Roy Orbison. He admired Rush Limbaugh and listened faithfully to the political talk shows. Duane was a caring son and brother, devoted husband, adored father, and loving grandfather, and treasured the time he spent with his family. He was so proud of his children and grandsons, and they were a true inspiration to him. Duane was a blessing to all who knew him. Duane leaves behind his beloved wife of 24 years, Darlene; daughter, Michelle (Tim) Goldade of Rio; son, Nickolas of Sun Prairie; step-daughter, Denise (Harlan) Knutson of Oslo, Minn.; and two adored grandsons, Hayden Knutson and Justin Knutson of Oslo, Minn. He is also survived by his mother, Arlene Woldt of Marshall; brother, Dale (Bev) of Marshall; sister, Susan, who was his bone marrow/stem cell donor of Marshall; and sister, Mary (Steve) Falter of Madison. Duane is further survived by several beloved aunts, uncles, nephews, cousins; his former wife and mother of his children, Linda Woldt of Sun Prairie; and many dear friends in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Illinois. He was preceded in death by his father, Earl; father-in-law, Clinton Smail; step-son, Derek Walsvick; and several aunts and uncles. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. DENNIS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 505 Dempsey Road, Madison, on Thursday, July 23, 2009, at 11 a.m., with Father Kent Schmitt and Father Mike Resop concelebrating. Burial will be at Roselawn Memorial Park, Monona. As a celebration of Duane\'s life, family and friends may call at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, on Wednesday, July 22, 2009, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m., and at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the funeral on Thursday. Duane requested that any memorials be given to Kathy\'s House, a home away from home facility in Milwaukee, the Leukemia/Lymphoma Association, The Compassionate Friends/Madison Area Chapter, or St. Dennis Catholic Church. The family wishes to thank all the Oncology doctors and nurses at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee, and the doctors and nurses at UW Hospital, B6 Oncology/Palliative Care Unit in Madison.\"We love you Duane and will miss you more than words can express. Love is a treasure and we will always treasure your love. Grandpa, we love you to the moon and back.\" Memorials: Duane requested that any memorials be given to Kathy\'s House, a home away from home facility in Milwaukee, the Leukemia/Lymphoma Association, The Compassionate Friends/Madison Area Chapter, or St. Dennis Catholic Church. The family wishes to thank all the Oncology doctors and nurses at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee, and the doctors and nurses at UW Hospital, B6 Oncology/Palliative Care Unit in Madison. Cemetery: Burial will be at Roselawn Memorial Park, Monona. Visitation: As a celebration of Duane\'s life, family and friends may call at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, on Wednesday, July 22, 2009, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m., and at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the funeral on Thursday. Service: A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. DENNIS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 505 Dempsey Road, Madison, on Thursday, July 23, 2009, at 11 a.m., with Father Kent Schmitt and Father Mike Resop concelebrating.