John Joseph Duffek

He is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Tammie and Ronald Scholz and Rosanne and Mark Engelhardt; three grandchildren, Sarah, Nicholas and Natalie Scholz. John was preceded in death by his parents John and Anna Duffek (Hraban); wife Alice Duffek (Wolesensky), brothers Emil and Norbert Duffek; sisters Evangeline Duffek (Wilson) and Eleanor Duffek (O’Pry).

He was born on April 18, 1927, and raised on a farm by Staplehurst, Nebraska.

John proudly served in the U.S. Air Force. He was a veteran of the Korean War where he deployed with the 27th Fighter-Escort Wing. As a maintainer on F-84 Thunderjets, he served as a maintenance crew chief for the B-29 and B-36 was awarded the Bronze Star for his bravery in keeping the crew safe. After his service years, John went to Milford Trade school on the GI bill and became a skilled craftsman in carpentry.

John met his wife, Alice, at a Pla Mor Ballroom and they were married for 64 years. During their marriage, he worked as a residential and commercial construction foreman in Lincoln for 30+ years. He took great pride in his design and crafting of home interiors and was dedicated to producing quality craftsmanship.

At age of 59, John retired from construction to fulfill a life-long dream of owning and running a fishing resort in Ontario Canada with his wife, Alice. By 70, John was ready for his next venture. He sold the resort and purchased land on Eagle Lake in Ontario Canada. He built an A-Frame home where he and his wife spent summers.

John had many passions including woodworking, fishing, gadget creating, and polka dancing. When the grandchildren came, he became a loving grandfather. John was an avid reader of all newspapers and a prized Wheel of Fortune player.

A service and rosary for the family was held on February 4, 2022. Father Bernardo officiated at the funeral service. Memorials can be made to the family for charitable designation at a later date.

John will be remembered for his aptitude for solving mechanical challenges, jovial spirit, and grandpa wisdom he imparted to all but especially to his grandchildren. We will cherish our good memories of him.