Ralph Joseph Duginski, age 82, of Merrill, passed away Sunday, December 4, 2016 at Wausau Manor surrounded by his family and former neighbor and friend of 40 years, Wayne Voight. Ralph was born on November 16, 1934 in Merrill to the late Paul and Constance (Kolasinski) Duginski. He was married to Jean Anne Frost in Clintonville, WI in 1956. They had one son, Gregory, and later divorced.
Ralph was a graduate of Merrill High School and the University of Wisconsin Green Bay. He was a US Army Veteran having served in the Paratrooper Division. He lived and worked for Thorp Finance in Green Bay, WI, later moving to the town of Berlin, Marathon County, where he farmed Ginseng and operated a custom crop spraying business. He later moved to Merrill. As his health declined he resided in Bell Tower Residence and Wausau Manor. Ralph enjoyed hunting, trap shooting, riding his Harley or tractor, auctions and time spent having coffee with friends. He also appreciated visits from his nieces and nephews. He was a member of St. Francis Xavier Parish.
Survivors include his son: Gregory Duginski, Dallas, TX; two brothers: Lawrence (Mary) Duginski, of Merrill, and Myron Duginski, of Schofield; one sister: Helen (Ted) Kolka, of Mosinee; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, infant brother, Paul, sisters, Dorothy Nettekoven and Valrene Behrens, and niece Terry Herber.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Fr Chris Kemp at Bell Tower Residence Chapel on Saturday, December 10 at 11 AM with visitation from 9-11 at the chapel. Entombment will be at Merrill Memorial Park Mausoleum. Memorials may be given to Bell Tower Residence or St. Francis Xavier Church. The family wishes to thank Ralph’s special friends Elizabeth Derr and Wayne Voight for their friendship and support of Ralph over the years and staff at Bell Tower Residence, Wausau Manor and Margo, from Asera Care Hospice. Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com. Waid Funeral Home of Merrill is assisting family with arrangements.