Andrew B. Duginski, age 89, passed away on Tuesday, February 6, 2018 at Ascension Good Samaritan Hospital in Merrill, while surrounded by his loving family. Andrew was born to the late James and Mary (Collins) Duginski in Merrill. Andrew met the love of his life, Lucille Kaplan, and the two exchanged vows on July 15, 1953 in Merrill. She preceded him in death on June 13, 2012.
Andrew was a dedicated dairy farmer, taking care of the family farm for 45 years. Along with dairy farming, he also worked at Merrill Manufactoring and Wausau Metals. Family was very important to Andrew and he enjoyed his time with them. When they were younger, Andrew and Lucille would enjoy traveling to casinos. Andrew liked playing cards with friends and family, especially Sheephead. Andrew’s true passion was the concertina. He was a very talented musician. He would also spend time logging and doing various woodworking projects. Andrew had a unique gift – he was able to ride his bicycle backwards, and did so, well into his 70’s! He was a lifelong member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Merrill. He will be sadly missed by many.
Andrew is survived by his daughters: Lucinda Long, Patricia (Ed) Thomaschefsky and Melissa (Mark) Porath, all of Merrill, along with Jean Pfantz of Rothschild, sons: Brian, Bruce (Lisa) and Christopher Duginski, all of Merrill, grandchildren: Mike Hartkopf, Timothy Sabatke, Lucy Voss, Misty Pfantz, Amanda Pfantz, Benjamin Porath, David Simon, Devan Porath, Noah Duginski and Lauren Duginski, great grandchildren: Daven Sabatke, Eugene Voss, Aidan Hartkopf, Brenna Hartkopf and Tanner Yaeger, brothers: Vince Duginski of Merrill and Eugene (Mary) Duginski of Belgium, WI, sisters: Rosie (Roger) Hoffman of Merrill and Esther Wendorf of Schofield, along with many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents: James and Mary Duginski, wife: Lucille Duginski, brothers: Matthew and Leonard Duginski and sisters: Loraine (Don) Trantow, Florence Zastrow and Irene Kulawinski.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Andrew will be held on Friday, February 9, 2018 at 11:30am at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Merrill. Father Chris Kemp will officiate. Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 8, 2017 from 4pm-7pm at Waid Funeral Home and again on Friday, February 9, 2018 from 10:30am until the time of Mass, at the church. Burial will immediately follow at the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, Andrew’s family requests that donations be sent to St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 1708 E. 10th Street, Merrill.
Waid Funeral Home & Cremation Service is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.