Duane Donald Ruchti, age 75, of Mapleton, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 07, 2025, at the Dunlap Specialty Care Center in Dunlap, Iowa.
A Funeral Service will be held at 1:30 p.m., with a visitation held one hour prior from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., Saturday, September 13, 2025, at the Armstrong-Van Houten Funeral Home of Mapleton, Iowa. Celebrant Mr. Jared K. Phillips Zobel will officiate. Committal Services will follow in the Mount Hope Cemetery of Mapleton, Iowa.
The Armstrong - Van Houten Funeral Home of Mapleton, Iowa, is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online www.armstrongfuneral.com.
Duane Donald Ruchti, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 07, 2025 at the age of 75. Born on January 6, 1950, in Mapleton, Iowa, Duane was the son of Cornelius and Meta (Hauschildt) Ruchti. He was raised on the family farm northwest of Mapleton and attended school in the Maple Valley Community School District.
From an early age, Duane demonstrated a natural talent for fixing and building things. He built a career as a skilled mechanic and over-the-road truck driver, always willing to get his hands dirty to solve a problem or lend a hand.
In the 1980s, Duane married Penny (Sami) Crawford. Together, they built a life centered around family, raising three children: Tara, Jason, and Anea. Their hearts led them to open their home to many foster children over the years, welcoming each one with love and care. Among them, two honorary daughters, Torrie and Mindy, became lasting members of their extended family.
Duane was a master tinkerer. Whether he was repairing engines, crafting custom neon and billboard signs, or restoring his cherished project cars: a 1929 Ford Coupe and a 1969 Chevy Impala. Duane’s passion for mechanics and craftsmanship lives on in his children, to whom he proudly passed down his knowledge and skills.
He found joy in the simple pleasures of life: Sunday family dinners, laughter-filled reunions, playing horseshoes, cooking one of “Dad’s specialties,” and the cherished chaos of "The Bouncy House" a memory known best by those who shared it. Above all, Duane treasured the time spent with his family and making memories that will be held close by all who knew him.
Those left to cherish his memory are his children, Tara (Pete) Wright of Onawa, IA, Jason (Tammy) Ruchti of Mapleton, IA, and Anea Ruchti of ILL; grandchildren: Zoee Vanderweide, Drake Ruchti, Aiden Ruchti, Samantha Burgess, Dexter Davis, Justin Wright, Gregory Wright, Sami Jo Wright, Ayla Ruchti, Jordon Eviglo, Dovie Eviglo, Isabelle Eviglo, Joslyn Eviglo, Lasasha Eviglo, Madisyn Dunagan, Jessi Zimmerman, Tommy Zimmerman, and Austin Zimmerman; great grandchildren: Kamari Eviglo, Avery Vanderweide, Kevin Vanderweide, Ellie Burgess, Easton Burgess, Aubree Wright, Finley Davis, and (Myles Wright on the way); brother Bruce Ruchti of Mapleton, IA, Jeff Ruchti of Swiss Home, OR, Deanna Lawson of Mapleton, IA, and Donna Myers of Whiting, IA; extended family and friends.
Duane was preceded in death by his parents, Cornelius and Meta Ruchti; brothers Denny (Kum “Becky” Cha Pak) Ruchti, Larry (Judy) Ruchti, Leon Ruchti, and Mark Ruchti; brothers-in-law Albert Lawson and Lloyd “Shorty” Myers, Sr.; sister Cheryl Ruchti (in infancy), and ex-wife Penny (Sami) Anderson.
Previous Events
Visitation
13
Sep
210 South 5th Street
Mapleton, IA 51034
Funeral Service
13
Sep
210 South 5th Street
Mapleton, IA 51034
