Duane Earl Marquardt

Duane Earl Marquardt passed away peacefully with his devoted wife, Joyce Marquardt, by his side, after 90 years of a life well lived.

Duane was born on August 11, 1936, in Oak Park, Ill., to parents Lillian and Earl Marquardt. He was raised alongside his sister, Gayle, in La Grange, Ill. In 1946, the family relocated to Mauston, where Duane attended Mauston High School. There, he played football and basketball, sang in the choir, and participated in numerous school plays.

Following his high school graduation, Duane enlisted in the United States Navy and served four years in San Diego, Calif., during the Korean War era. After completing his military service, he enrolled at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, where he met the love of his life, Joyce Mayo. Duane and Joyce married on August 15, 1959, and began their family in La Grange, Ill. They initially moved to Middleton, where Duane worked as a bench chemist. Shortly thereafter they moved to the Northwoods of Wisconsin, where they managed Dairymen’s Country Club in Boulder Junction for 36 years. Retirement has been enjoyed in the cabin he built with his father and his children in Boulder Junction. Living in Boulder Junction nurtured Duane’s lifelong love of wildlife, woods, and the water.

Duane and Joyce enjoyed many years of travel together, with some of their most treasured adventures taking place aboard a sailboat in the islands. Many of Duane’s favorite memories were made in the Florida Keys, where he enjoyed sailing on Florida Bay, swimming, and soaking up the sunshine. Anyone who knew Duane knew his love of telling a good story. Whether humorous, thoughtful, or adventurous, his stories, both spoken and published, reflected the rich life he lived and the people and animals he loved. We all have our favorite Duane stories, and those cherished memories will keep his vibrant spirit alive in our hearts forever. 

A devoted Christian, Duane faithfully served for many years as an Elder in his local church. He challenged and encouraged others through teaching youth small groups and leading thoughtful adult Bible studies. He also found great joy in being a member of the church choir.

Duane is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Joyce Marquardt; his sister, Gayle Domann (Clarence); his three children, Wesley Marquardt, Michele Stoker (Robert), and Clinton Marquardt (Elizabeth); his grandchildren, Gena, Jacob (Ariana), Hannah (Coleman), Evan, Connor (Nola), Karmyn (Skyler), Nicole (Mitch), and Dylan; and his five great-grandchildren, Carter, Miller, Lennon, Jack, and Tate.

The family extends a special thank you to the neighbors, friends, and EMS personnel whose kindness and assistance meant so much during Duane’s final moments. Duane’s words of advice to all “Think carefully, choose wisely, be strong in the Lord and keep the Faith.”

A Celebration of Life will be held on November 14, 2026 11 a.m., at The Community Church of Boulder Junction. A luncheon will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to Community Church of Boulder Junction in Duane’s memory through the church’s online giving page: Community Church of Boulder Junction Giving or left at the church at the office. Bolger Funeral Home is assisting the family, www.bolgerfuneral.com for condolences.