Harold Raymond “Bud”’ Duke, 88, Pulaski, WI, formerly of Niagara, WI, passed away at his residence on Monday, June 19, 2017. Born February 19, 1929, in Kingsford, MI, he is the son of the late Harold and Leone (Ballard) Duke. Bud married Dorothy Krause on August 30, 1952, and their marriage was blessed with four children.
Bud loved serving in the Navy from 1947 until 1952 and had a lifelong love for the sea. He worked at Lake Shore, Inc. as a machinist for 32 years and did many volunteer projects in his community, including 20 years at the Iron Mountain VA Medical Center. Bud was an active member of Riverside United Methodist Church in Niagara.
He enjoyed family, fishing, hunting, golf, travel, dancing and playing cards, especially Smear. As Grandpa Duke, he greeted each new granddaughter by wearing the tie he’d worn at his own wedding. He also wore the special tie to his grandchildren’s weddings.
Bud is survived by his loving wife of over 64 years, Dorothy; his four children, Harold Jr. (Lauri) Duke, of Sacramento, CA, Tom (Sharon) Duke of Antigo, WI, Teri (Paul) Anderson of Sobieski, WI, and Dan (Denise) Duke of Sobieski, WI; 19 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Bud is further survived by a sister, Delores Brodhagen of De Pere, WI; a sister-in-law, Clarice Anderson of Northlake, IL; a brother-in-law, John Phillips of De Pere, WI; and many nieces and nephews.
Bud is preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Betty Phillips and Diane Mayer; and infant twin sons.
Visitation will be at New Life Community Church, 6258 Crest Dr., Pulaski, WI Friday, June 23, 2017, from 10:00 am until the service at noon. A fellowship meal will follow at the church. Special family friend, Pastor Tony Fuller, will officiate the memorial service. In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established at the Iron Mountain VA Hospital.
The family wants to thank the VA medical system for 28 years of health care. Special thanks to Unity Hospice of De Pere for their loving care and family support during Bud’s final days.
Donations can be sent in two forms:
(1) Oscar G Johnson VA Medical Center
Voluntary Service
325 East H Street
Iron Mountain, MI 49801
*In the notation area on the check or in a cover letter donors should write: “In Memory of Harold Duke”.
(2) The second way to donate is electronically on line. Donors can go to this site:
https://www.ironmountain.va.gov/giving/index.asp
When directed to this sight, please select the "Make a Difference e-Donate" button.
The family has asked that memorials to the VA Medical Center in Bud's memory be directed to either the "Coffee Program" or "Hospice Care".