Duane A Wilke

Duane A. Wilke, age 56, passed away on Monday, January 30, 2023 in Gundersen Health System in La Crosse, Wisconsin.  He was born July 9, 1966 in Naperville, Illinois to Fred and Sharon (Waefel) Wilke.  He married Michele (Metcalf) Lotts on July 27, 2013.  Duane served in the US Army for several years and worked as a Sand Plant Safety Manager.  He was a true outdoorsman, enjoying hunting, fishing, gardening, camping and bird watching.  He was known for being an excellent cook and loved spending time with his dog, Askem, his family and his friends. 

He is survived by his mother:  Sharon Waefel of New Lisbon;  wife:  Michele of Sparta; daughters:  Kendall Wilke of New Auburn and Courtney Gravunder of New Auburn;  step-sons:  Aaron and Austin;  step-son-in-law:  Randy Rands; step-grandchildren:  Carter and Zacharias; siblings:  Jodi, Fred, David and Jack;  canine companion:  Askem.

He was preceded in death by his father:  Fred Wilke and step-daughter:  Alyssa Rands.