Harold LeRoy LaDuke

Harold LeRoy LaDuke was born on May 2, 1925, in Eugene, Oregon to Otto “Spot” and Eithel LaDuke. Harold spent his childhood and teen years in Oakridge, Oregon. In school, he met Helen Neff, who would become his future wife. He also sang in the choir and was on the debate team. After graduation, Harold joined the Navy and became a radio operator aboard LCI 632 during WWII. His ship fought in the “D” Day invasions of Iwo Jima and Okinawa, and he saw action at other islands in the Pacific, receiving 2 Bronze Stars.

After discharge from the Navy, Harold married Helen, the love of his life, in June 1947. They were married for 66 years until Helen’s death in October 2013. They raised four children in the Portland, Oregon area. While Helen was home taking care of the kids, Harold worked in a floral business and then switched careers into manufactured housing, sales and consulting work. He spent many years on the Oregon and Washington Structural Code Advisory Board.

Harold was an active member of the Lutheran Church for 61 years, joining Mission Trips to Jamaica and Haiti. Harold flew with an Honor Flight to see the WWII Memorial in Washington, D.C. and then later flew to Japan with the Oban association, for the 70th anniversary of the end of the war, meeting with Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe.

Harold was pre-deceased by his wife Helen, his brother Donald LaDuke, and sisters Irene Johnson and Leone Evans. He is survived by his cousin/brother Bud LaDuke; sons Jerry, Richard (Lori), Jeff (Kathy), and daughter Tammy, nine grandchildren - Angelique, Brandy, Christopher, Donavan, Jonah, Harumi, Steven, Jilian and Meridith; and 5 great-grandchildren.

Harold will be entombed with Military Honors, next to Helen, at a private family gathering at Sunset Memorial in Bellevue, WA on Saturday, March 2nd. A public memorial service for friends will be held later that same day at Messiah Lutheran Church 410 H St NE, Auburn, WA 98002 at 3:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be sent, in memory of Harold, to the Puget Sound Honor Flight.

Following the public church service, you are invited to join the family for refreshments in the Church gathering space.