Jeffrey Scott Duwe

Jeffrey Scott Duwe

Jeff Duwe passed away on Friday, January 8, 2010, at the University of Virginia Medical Center in Charlottesville, Virginia, from injuries sustained in a fall on the ice the previous day. He was 28 years of age. Surrounding his bedside were many family and friends who spent Jeff's final hours reminiscing about each of their wonderful experiences of Jeff's life. He had a beautiful spirit and he touched the lives of all those he encountered.

Jeff was born in Traverse City, Michigan, on May 11, 1981, to Arthur "Chip" and Barbara Duwe. He graduated from Traverse City Central High School in June 1999 and from Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Michigan, in December 2004 with a B.S. Degree in Movement Science. After working in Grand Rapids in the health and fitness fields for several years, he relocated to Charlottesville, Virginia to enroll in the Program of Radiologic Technology at the University of Virginia, from which he graduated, ranking first in his class in clinical studies, in June 2008. He loved Virginia, especially the mountains, and so he stayed after graduation to work at the University in the Radiologic Technology Department.

Jeff was a devoted son, brother, and most recently, uncle. He had an amazing sense of humor and an ability to turn ordinary situations into special ones. He had a passion for the outdoors, sports, and loved to hike in the Blue Ridge Mountains. He enjoyed frequent trips to Charlotte to visit his aunts and to attend football games.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Arthur and Nan Duwe, and by his maternal grandparents, Francis and Bonnie Rogers.

He is survived by his parents, Chip and Barbara Duwe of Traverse City; his sister, Kara and her fiance, Tom, and brother, Matthew, sister-in-law, Amy, and nephew, Everett, all of Grand Rapids; many aunts, uncles, cousins, and his many friends and colleagues at the University of Virginia Health System.

Celebrations of Jeff's life will be held in both Charlottesville and in Michigan at dates to be determined.

Jeff was an organ donor so many people will have the gift of life as a result of Jeff's unselfish spirit.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Jeff's name to LifeNet www.lifenethealth.org, which arranged for Jeff's organ donations, to Gift of Life Michigan www.giftoflifemichigan.org which arranges organ donations in Michigan, or to the Jeffrey Scott Duwe Memorial Scholarship Fund, mailed to Gina Christopher, Department of Radiology, Box 800377, Charlottesville, VA 22908. Program information may be viewed at www.healthsystem.virginia.edu\internet\radiology.

The family would like to thank Jeff's many friends, the medical staff who provided loving care to him in his final days and to LifeNet.

Arrangements are being handled by the Hill and Wood Funeral Home.

Friends may sign the register book at www.hillandwood.com.


This obituary was originally published in the Daily Progress.