Duane Goedken
07/03/1938 -
03/18/2023
Duane
Goedken

DUANE GOEDKEN
MUSCATINE, Iowa – Duane Goedken , 84, of Muscatine, passed away on Saturday, March 18, 2023, at the University of Iowa.

Duane was born in Dyersville, on July 3, 1938, to Ray and Margaret Goedken. Growing up in Dyersville, he ran wild with his brothers and friends – fishing, hunting, boxing, and shooting anything that moved with their bb guns (sometimes even each other). He married a hometown girl, Mary Ellen Mescher, in 1960. They lived in Iowa City where Duane finished school and graduated from the University of Iowa, making him a Hawkeye fan forever. After graduation, Duane and Mary Ellen moved to Muscatine, where he met lifelong friends, had a wonderful career, and guided his children to be moral, upstanding citizens.

This man loved his job. He loved being an attorney in Muscatine, getting personally involved with his clients and helping them with whatever they needed. His care for people extended well outside of work. Duane loved to listen and share stories. A drink, a smoke, and a good conversation with friends was an important part of his life. Duane valued all his friendships! His family thanks all those that made his life special and helped during his hospitalization.

He was a life-long golfer and played his last round of golf on his 84th birthday. In the height of his golf career, he traveled throughout the country playing different courses with friends, personally piloting the plane. He taught himself how to restore player pianos, including his grandparent’s piano. He took pride in doing things himself, demonstrating his talent by fixing up their historical home and the Batterson Building in Muscatine, and later helping his kids with their own homes.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Lynne Marsom, parents, brother Christopher, sister Anne Goedken, and sister-in-law Marilyn Mescher. He is survived by his wife Mary Ellen Goedken, children Beth Goedken and Brian Goedken, and family members Gary (Candy) Goedken, Kathy Goedken, Phil (Sue) Goedken, Roger Mescher, Myra Mescher, Dan and Donna Meyer, Dale and Mary Mescher, Lee and Deb Mescher.

Visitation will be from 3:30 until 4:30 p.m. on Friday, March 24, 2023, at the Ralph J. Wittich-Riley-Freers Funeral Home, with a funeral service at 4:30 p.m., followed by a celebration of life at Jody’s Bar in Muscatine. All family and friends are welcome. Honorary Pallbearers are Dan Vegter, Doug Roelle, Dwight Brockhouse, Dominick Lane, Steve Brown, Joe Manjoine, and Kenny Kranz. In lieu of flowers, go buy your friend a drink. Online condolences: www.wittichfuneralhome.com.

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