Redlin-Ertz Funeral Home

Duane Robert Belter , Age 84

November 09, 1941 --September 11, 2026

Duane Robert Belter peacefully left this life in the early morning hours of September 11, 2026. He was born on November 9, 1941, to Gust and Lena (Griegol) Belter in Baraboo, Wisconsin. He attended Baraboo Public Schools.

Duane proudly served in the United States Army as an artilleryman, including service in Vietnam.

On June 30, 1972, Duane married Lorene Greenwood at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Baraboo. For the next 50 years, they built their life together as farmers in North Freedom. Their farm became a gathering place for family and friends, and Duane especially enjoyed having nieces, nephews, and his daughters’ friends come to the farm to help milk the cows and do chores.

Duane loved mowing the lawn, gardening, and listening to country music. He had a wonderful sense of humor and cherished being part of a large, extended family. He found joy in the simple routines of farm life and in the people who surrounded him. Wherever Lorene was, Duane wanted to be there too—whether watching sports, playing cards, or simply enjoying time together. He regularly asked his daughter, Kari, to play his favorite song, Ashokan Farewell, on the piano, which she did nearly every night.

After Duane was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, he and Lorene moved into their daughter’s home in Madison. Even as life changed, Duane kept busy and found ways to stay engaged in the things he enjoyed. He could often be found sweeping the deck, entertaining the cats, Jazz and Sweetie, tending the garden, or filling the bird feeders. He loved going for rides, browsing for antiques, collecting toy tractors, and collecting unique rocks. Over time, he developed an appreciation for Madison life, including vanilla lattes from different local coffee shops and the incredible care and compassion he received from his team at the VA Hospital.

Duane is survived by his wife of 54 years, Lorene; daughters Becky (Finch) Roberts of Manchester, Michigan; Kari Belter of Madison; Kathy (Will) Underwood of North Freedom; and Vicky Belter of Madison; and grandchildren Grace (Joel) Holz of Hutchinson, Minnesota, and Bryce Underwood of Salt Lake City, Utah. He is further survived by his brother, Virgil Belter; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews.

In addition to his parents, Duane was preceded in death by his brothers Melvin, Marvin, Ronald and “the twins”; sisters Dorothy Hill, Ardissee Ulrich, Betty Allen, Marilyn Woodstock, and Sharon Bulgrin.

Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, September 25, 2026 at St. John's Lutheran Church with Pastor Timothy Kuske officiating. Visitation will be held at the church on Friday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. Military Honors will be performed by the Baraboo Veterans Honor Guard at church, following the service. Private Burial will be held at Walnut Hill Cemetery.

Send Condolence

Condolences

Deb Martin September 11, 2026

Family friend Sauk City , Wisconsin

I love this family. Having Pa gone is sad, but I’m glad he’s free from suffering. Lorene, bless your heart. Sending all my love.

Jennifer Rose September 12, 2026

Family friend Gilbert , Arizona

I have such lovely memories from college of going to the farm with Kari and her dad showing me the cows. I always felt at home there because the family was so inviting. Much love and condolences to you all.

Beth September 12, 2026

Great niece Elysian , Minnesota

Oh, Uncle Duane! I certainly will miss your devious smile and your laugh. That laugh would take me back to being a kid and all the many times we were at the farm "helping" milk coes, feed chickens, making hollyhock babies. So happy you are now in heaven with my dad. Hopefully you both are wearing your bib overalls.

Susan Tessmann September 12, 2026

Great niece Prescott , Arizona

Fond memories spending summers on the farm baling hay, feeding cows, walking in the woods, and learning life lessons from Uncle Duane. Did you know that chocolate milk comes from the brown cows?? I was convinced of that for many years as a child because Uncle Duane said so! Will miss you so much along with the humor and joy you brought to everyone you touched. Go with God and enjoy everlasting life!

Dennis and Penny Quandt September 12, 2026

Friends Lake Mills , Wisconsin

Lorene our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family,He was a great guy and dearest friend to the Quandt’s. Den and Penny and Family

Amy Muchow September 14, 2026

husband of my first cousin once removed. Columbus , Wisconsin

God bless your family this month. I love reading about him feeding the birds, enjoying the same things my dad did also! May his memory be a blessing. I just moved, so I note this only as I won’t be able to attend his funeral, but I fondly recall always hoping to keep in touch with past funerals when we have enjoyed each other’s company. Take care!

Rhoda (Duehlmeier) Eserhut September 15, 2026

Friend Fond du Lac , Wisconsin

Dear Lorene and family, Don and I send our condolences on the loss of Duane, such a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. I wish we could have known him. He shared many things in common with my husband Don and me. May God continue to bless you, Lorene, with the knowledge of your Savior and His loving care. We will not be able to be with you on September 25, but we are assured that God will bless and keep you in His loving care. Your old high school friend, Rhoda.

SHIRLEY MOREY September 22, 2026

Friend SARONA , Wisconsin

Lorene, Becky, Kathy, Kari and Vicky, You have my deepest sympathy in your loss. I know Duane is enjoying fresh air and peace in the arms of our heavenly Father. What a wonderful man he was! I was fortunate to know him. Love to all the great ladies in his life. Shirley (Harms) Morey and Russ

Linda Woodstock and Art Luebke September 25, 2026

Niece Denver , Colorado

I came into Duane’s life as a baby—born to his sister, Marilynn, in February 1951. Because my dad, Richard, was serving in the Korean War, Mother and I lived with Grandma and Grandpa Belter after I was born. For the next three years, Duane and Sharon, along with my grandparents and Mother, taught me, played with me, laughed with me, and lovingly nurtured me. They even had me walking at seven months. I have the fondest memories of my young uncle from that time. Although distance separated us as we grew older, I never forgot his smile, his laugh, or his gentle nature. Being with all the Belter aunts and uncles was always great fun—they were such a happy group of Germans! My deepest condolences to Aunt Lorene and all my cousins—Becky, Kari, Kathy, and Vicky. I’m sending love and hugs to you all.

Frank J Wurth Sr September 25, 2026

long time friend freeburg , Illinois

Deeply saddened for the loss of Duane. Dear friend for nearly 50 years! Sadly my own health forbids me from making the journey to the service. Thinking back on all the years watching both our families grow up and start their own families. Always in my heart and prayers. Where did all the years go? God bless. From the Wurth Family.