Elfriede Lina Freymüeller Duke

25 Sep 1936- 02 Feb 2026 (Age 89)

Elfriede Duke, 89, of Huntsville, passed away on Monday, Feb 02, 2026 at Huntsville Hospital Hospice Family Care. Elfriede was born in Schwabisch Hall and raised in Obersontheim, Germany. She met her husband, John Ray Duke, in 1960, and they shared 59 loving years of marriage. Following John’s retirement from the U.S. Army, they settled in Huntsville in 1969, where they built a life centered on love and faith.

Elfriede was the heart of her family. A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother she found her greatest joy in caring for those she loved. She lovingly raised three children and cared for many pets (owned and neighborly). She was known for her kindness, warm hospitality, her strong faith, and her gentle spirit that made everyone welcome. Her faith guided her daily life. She read her Bible each evening, cherished time spent with family, loved cooking, going out to eat, and took pride in keeping a beautiful home. A longtime member of St Mark’s Lutheran Church, she found comfort and connection in her church family and enjoyed watching The Shepherd’s Chapel on television.

Surviving family members include her sons, MSgt John Duke (USAF ret) (wife Christene) and Lt Col James Duke (USAF ret) (wife Lt Col Kathy (USAFR ret)); her daughter, Karen Brown (husband MSG Michael (US Army ret)); six grandchildren Wesley, Jacob, Hannah, John, Kayla, and Elizabeth; two bonus grandchildren Lacey and Jennifer; one great grandchild John Ryan, and numerous other family members. She was preceded in death by her husband, John R. Duke; parents Friedrich and Pauline Freymüeller; and brother Helmut Freymüeller.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturdday, February 7, 2026 at Valhalla Funeral Home and Memory Gardens. Visitation is at 12:00pm and the funeral will take place at 2:00pm. Please leave fond memories and condolences for the entire Duke family at www.valhallafunerals.com.