Dwight Alan Dutschke

Dwight Alan Dutschke, 74, of Ione, California, passed away in his home on February 27, 2025. Born to parents Carleton and Ramona Dutschke on December 22, 1950, Dwight led a full life dedicated to his family and his community. As a child, Dwight was known to be patient; he spent many an hour sitting at the feet of his grandmother and great-grandmother, absorbing their lessons about Miwok culture. Dwight excelled in everything he did.  As a boy, he achieved status as an Eagle Scott, and was awarded the Bronze, Gold and Silver Eagle Scout palms. He was also an accomplished high school athlete, winning best athlete in football, basketball, tennis, track, and wrestling. Dwight spent his college years at California State University Fresno, where he was a member of the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in 1975. Dwight also met his wife and lifelong partner, Ann, during college; the two were married in 1977 and raised their children in Dwight’s hometown of Ione. Dwight dedicated his professional career to historic and cultural preservation and retired in 2013 after 35 years of service with the California Office of Historic Preservation.

A citizen of the Ione Band of Miwok Indians, Dwight grew up closely entwined with his Miwok heritage. He worked diligently with the Sierra Native American Council to organize an annual Big-Time celebration at Chaw’se State Historic Park in Volcano, CA, for many years.  He was a founding member of the Ione Band’s Cultural Committee, the precursor to the Tribe’s Cultural Resources Department, protecting important historical and cultural resources of the Tribe. In his twenties, Dwight had the distinction of being invited to attend the United States Bicentennial celebrations in Washington, D.C., where he learned traditional basketweaving techniques from world-renowned California basket makers.  He would later bring those techniques back to his own Tribal community, teaching his mother, among others, how to weave baskets. Dwight was also passionately involved in the larger community of Amador County, particularly as a member of the Native Sons of the Golden West. Upon joining Native Sons in college, it became his goal to become Grand President in tribute to his father, and he became Grand President of Parlor 33 in 2013. Between his professional career and his organizational involvement, Dwight was afforded the opportunity to travel all throughout California, meeting new people and developing many lifelong friendships along the way.

Dwight is remembered as a selfless and kind man who never had a bad thing to say about anyone. He loved golf, playing cards, a good cigar, and Best Foods mayonnaise. He spoke with a soft voice that begged you to listen and laughed in a way that was contagious. Just like his own grandparents, he always made sure to send his grandchildren with a little money spent wherever they went. Dwight is preceded in death by his parents, Ramona and Carleton, and his son, Craig. He is survived by his wife, Ann; his children Carly Benner and husband Nate, and Kyle Dutschke and partner Shelby; his grandchildren Sadie, Jase, Haylee and Ruby; his sisters Arlene, Karen, and Amy; and a bevy of nieces, nephews, and cousins, all of whom who will miss him dearly, and who will celebrate his life through stories and prayer in a good way.

Services will be held at the Ione Public Cemetery on Thursday March 13th, at 2:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the Amador County Fair Foundation in Dwight’s honor, P.O. Box 9, Plymouth, CA 95669.