Altoona
John Dukes
Owner and Operator
John leads Watts with a funeral director’s understanding and a personal commitment to listening to every family.
“My goal is to listen to their stories, so I understand how to best help them.”
John found his calling in death care after joining Aurora Casket as a salesman in 2004. Working alongside western Iowa funeral homes showed him how much thoughtful guidance matters when a family is planning a goodbye.
He earned his mortuary science degree from DMACC in 2015 while on the Dean’s List and became a licensed funeral director. John is a member of the Iowa Funeral Directors Association and Monument Builders of North America. He has also served Funeral Services of Iowa, the National Concrete Burial Vault Association and the Little Al Foundation in board and leadership roles.
In 2019, John purchased Watts Vault & Monument. Today he helps families turn their stories and ideas into personal monuments, always beginning by listening and understanding what matters most.
Born and raised in Marathon, Iowa, John graduated from Buena Vista University, where he met his wife, Lisa. Away from work, he enjoys travel, sports, golf, time at the family lake home and being with his sisters, children Josie and Taylor, and extended family.
We’re here to listen