"My Name is Tony Justice and I did not know Paul, I did notice that he served on the USS Circe AK-25 during WWII. MY FATHER Glenard Justice served with him on that ship. I just wanted send my condolences for a fellow shipmate and say I?m sorry for your loss. Prayers for his family and friends, Tony Justice Ashland Ky."
In loving memory of
Paul Duffek
October 3, 1926 - August 3, 2019
Paul Duffek of Deerbrook, died Saturday, August 3, 2019, at his home surrounded by his family and under the care of LeRoyer Hospice. He was 92 years old. He was born on October 3, 1926, in Mattoon, a son of Joseph and Clara (Stauber) Duffek.
Paul was a graduate of Mattoon High School where he played basketball on the Mattoon Greenwaves.
He entered the United States Navy in 1944 and served in the Pacific Theatre aboard the USS Circe AKA-25.
He was united in marriage to Jeannie Van der Veren on August 14, 1948, she preceded him in death on July 29, 2004. He married Eunice Winger on September 18, 2009 in Green Bay. She survives.
Paul founded Duffek Sand and Gravel in 1948, along with his brother Anton "Satch". They specialized in highway and bridge construction in Wisconsin. Locally, Duffek's served communities including Antigo, Wittenberg and northern Wisconsin with ready mix concrete, gravel, excavation, concrete construction and custom crushing. Paul retired in 1994.
He loved his family and spending time with them. He enjoyed golf, spending his winters in Winter Haven, Florida.
He was a member of the Leland-Tollefson Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2653, Antigo, and the Benevolent and Protective Order to Elks Lodge 662, Antigo and the Msgr. Conrad Saile Knights of Columbus Council 1002, Antigo.
Survivors including his wife are three daughters, Paula (Cal) Krueger of Antigo, Candace (Dennis) Schmidt of Summit Lake, Tracy (Peter) Sippl of Seymour; son, Perry (Juli) Duffek of Antigo; nine grandchildren Dr. Kori (Heather) Krueger, Casey Krueger and Shari, Nick (Sara) Krueger, Kieran (Mollie) Kramer, Karlye (Louis) Derks, Christina Duffek and Rob, Justin Duffek and Megan, Kayla Sippl, Bryce Sippl and fiancee Alissa; fifteen great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; a sister, Rita Palmer of Antigo.
In addition to his first wife Jeannine and parents he was preceded in death by three sisters, Mary Buslaff, Rose Racine, and Clara Fischer; three brothers Joseph, Jr., Anton "Satch", and John Duffek.
The funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, August 9, 2019, at 1 p.m. at SS Mary & Hyacinth Catholic Church with Rev. Mathew Simonar officiating.
Visitation will be 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday at the church.
Private burial of cremains will take place in Evergreen Cemetery, town of Almon, Shawano County, where the Antigo Veterans will conduct military honors.
In lieu of flowers donations are appreciated in Paul's name for the beautification of Evergreen Cemetery and the Mattoon Historical Society Museum. Gifts may be given to the family or mailed to: Duffeks P.O.Box 190 Antigo, WI 54409.
The family gives a special thank you to the Antigo Fire and Rescue Squad for the many times they helped our father and husband. Also, the LeRoyer Hospice staff, Aspirus Home Care aids, Courtney Mattek and Dr. Lakshmi Deep for all their wonderful care.
Bradley Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Tributes
"I am so sorry to miss Uncle Paul?s funeral. I will be in Peru with two grandchildren. I send my best wishes and sympathy to his family. He was always the most quiet but just as friendly as the other Duffek uncles. I hope for peace for his family. Jane Duffek Shinners "
"My father , Lloyd Collins , thought Paul was one of the best men he had ever met. Condolences to your family from our's . "