Charles Duvel

Charles Dean Duvel, of rural Postville, IA, passed away unexpectedly, at home, on Sunday September 21, 2025 at the age of 68. In true Chuck fashion, no funeral services will be held, but rather a private family gathering will be planned for a later date. Martin-Grau Funeral Home in Waukon, IA, is assisting the family. Condolences for the family may be sent care of the funeral home: PO Box 59, Waukon, IA 52172.

Chuck lived life on his own terms. He was a stubborn man, firm in his beliefs, and never sugarcoated what he had to say. He was passionate about hunting, farming, and the homesteading lifestyle.

Chuck is survived by his wife of 48 years, Lorna (Wilkins); their children: Jennifier (Gary) Johnson, Anthony (Deirdre) Duvel, and Sabrina (Nathan) Piekarski. He will be missed by his eight grandchildren: Tryston, Jorja, and Koal Johnson, Jaidyn and Brogyn Duvel, and Adalyn, Silas, and Xander Piekarski. He is also survived by his mother Laura (Bruckner) Duvel and siblings: Ron (Patti) Duvel and Brenda Christenson.

He was preceded in death by his father Orville Duvel, as well as his siblings: Connie Duvel and Don Duvel.

He was a man of many layers, sometimes distant, sometimes difficult, but always loved by those who truly knew him. His way of showing care wasn't always through words or kindness, but his impact on those closest to him was undeniable. In honor of him, the family has compiled a poem that captures both the challenges and the love that defined his life.

"Our father is a farmer; his heart is in the soil.
It's there he finds his solace, along the grimy toil.
Not born in a barn, but not so far away,
From the fields, where as a boy, he learned how to play.
A worn-out pair of blue jeans, work gloves, and old boots…
All things that kept him close to his farming roots.
Blue skies are his cathedral… tractor, his altar of prayer.
God meets him in the hayfields. They have communion there.
He sends up a prayer of rain, and a hope that the harvest will be good.
The animals are thriving, the garden is full, he's done everything he could.
From the soil, to the crops, and even the stubborn weeds,
That simple way of living fulfilled all of his needs.
There are photos of him and his wife, and their children, too.
With snapshots of the grandkids…there's more than just a few.
He was there when they needed him, right up to the very end.
Protecting them, keeping them safe, until his love was spent.
Dad, we'll celebrate your life on earth. Stories will flow like good beer.
We'll carry on your legacy, though we wish you were still here.
For Heaven is now your home…no more must you wait.
Your legacy lives on in us, and "Yes, Dad…we will close the gate."

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