Obit: Duffy, James Alan (1954 - 2014)

Contact: Robert Lipprandt
bob@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Duffy, Mechelke, Olynick, Rosemeyer, Zastrow

----Source: The Star News (Medford, WI) 2/20/2014

Duffy, James Alan (29 NOV 1954 - 19 FEB 2014)

James Alan Duffy, age 59, passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 19 at Fawcett Memorial Hospital in Port Charlotte, FL., after a two year struggle with cancer. If asked how he was throughout this time, he would consistently answer, "I'm fine," and move on with his day. He was a strong man and one who would lend a helping hand to anyone at anytime.

James was born on November 29, 1954 in Stanley, to Edmund and Vicki Duffy. He attended Gilman schools, graduating in 1973. He married his forever friend, Mary Olynick, on May 29, 1976 at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Gilman. They farmed for 22 years on the Duffy family farm in Gilman. He worked at Anderson Windows in Menomonie until his illness. He was a caring husband, father and grandfather.

He had a love for many things and struggled to part with them, specifically his red International tractor that he kept from the farm until today. He enjoyed Mexico, traveling, the ocean, and most importantly, the "warm" weather. He liked working on his waterfall, picking strawberries and apples with his family, and woodworking. He most enjoyed spending time with his family and grandchildren.

James is survived by his wife, Mary Duffy of Eau Claire; his children, Brandon (Heather) Duffy of Jim Falls, Ryan Duffy of Eau Claire and Kendall (Chase) Rosemeyer of Chippewa Falls; his grandchildren, Braya Duffy, Haily Duffy, and Heath Rosemeyer; his mother, Vicki Duffy of Gilman; his sisters, Sue (Allan) Olynick of Cadott, and Karen (Bob) Mechelke of Gilman; his brother-in-law, Wayne Zastrow of Gilman; plus many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Edmund Duffy, and his sister, Charlene Zastrow.

A celebration of life will be held at 10:30 a.m. at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Gilman on Tuesday, Feb. 25. Visitation will be from 8 to 10:30 a.m. prior to services at the church with burial to follow at the parish cemetery. Plombon Funeral Service assisted the family.