Walter "Duke" Dudzinski

Walter “Duke” Dudzinski, age 86, of Buckner, passed away at 9:05 p.m., Saturday, January 28, 2023, at the Stonebridge Nursing and Rehab Center of Benton.

His wishes are to be cremated with no public services.

Leffler Funeral Home of Benton; is in charge of the cremation arrangements.

Walter was born on April 11, 1936, in Hartford, Connecticut; the son of Walter Dudzinski and Mary (Krulikowski) Dudzinski.

Walt served in the U.S. Army at the end of the Korean War, serving in Germany. He would also serve in the National Guard.

While living in Florida, “Duke” worked as a security guard.

He loved the Lord; enjoyed singing and playing the organ and piano. The family said he loved to mimic Elvis. He was a huge John Wayne fan, and that is how he got his nickname. He also enjoyed playing scratch off lottery tickets.

Surviving is a sister-in-law Wanda Dudzinski of Buckner; four nephews: David Dudzinski of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Eli Wirtes of Southington, Connecticut, Jacob Wirtes of Creal Springs, Illinois, George Dudzinski, Jr. of Valier, Illinois; and his cat “Precious”.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers: Joseph Dudzinski and George Dudzinski, Sr.

Memorial contributions may be made to Friends of Franklin County Animal Control, P.O. Box 210, Christopher, Illinois 62822.

To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Duke, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com

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