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William Duffy Obituary
Judge William J. Duffy, 96, Green Bay, died Monday, February 25, 2013, at his home. He was born October 29, 1916, in North Branch, MN, to Stella (Golden) and John Duffy.
William grew up in Hollandtown, WI, where he attended a one room school house. He graduated from Kaukauna High School, and in 1938, graduated from St. Norbert College. After graduation he attended law school at the University of Wisconsin, graduating in 1941. Following graduation William enlisted in the U.S. military, serving as a captain in the Army Air Corps, in the South Pacific during World War II. Following the war, he moved to Green Bay and began his practice of law with Attorney Jerry Clifford. He enjoyed politics, and with many others of his generation, re-established the Democratic Party in Wisconsin. In 1948, he was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly.
On May 6, 1950, William married Elizabeth Boyden at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, in Green Bay. After serving in the Legislature, Mr. Duffy continued to practice law in Green Bay until he was elected to the bench as a Circuit Court Judge. He retired from the bench in 1992. Judge Duffy loved the city of Green Bay and was an active member of the community, serving on numerous advisory boards, and was a supporter of the city's many civic endeavors.
Judge Duffy was a wonderful father to his five children, Mary and Michael Van de Kamp, Green Bay; Michael Duffy and Charlene Quest, Madison; Sally Duffy (Paul Tilleman), Milwaukee; Trish and Russell Dabrowski, Milwaukee; John and (Bonnie Stewart) Duffy, Madison; ten grandchildren, Timothy, Patrick, William (Julie), John, Abby, Duffy (Sammie), Charlie, Henry, Margaret, Liam; two brothers-in-law and their spouses, Patrick and Julie Boyden, Edward and Joyce Boyden; and many special nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth "Betty"; and his siblings and their spouses, Helen (Frank) Bauman, John (Kathleen) Duffy, and Ann (Wilfred) Van Abel.
Friends may call at Blaney Funeral Home, 1521 Shawano Ave, from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday. A Parish Wake Service will be held at 7:30 p.m. Friday, at the funeral home. Friends may also call at Annunciation Catholic Church, 401 Gray Street, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Saturday. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, at the church with Rev. Donald Everts officiating. Burial will be in Allouez Catholic Cemetery. To send online condolences, please go to www.BlaneyFuneralHome.com.
A memorial fund has been established in the name of Judge William Duffy.
The Duffy family would like to express their gratitude to the staff of Home Instead for their loving care of Bill, to all of his nieces and nephews, neighbors and to his lunch mates.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Duffy
J.D McKay
February 22, 2021
It's hard to forget Bill Duffy, nor should we! He was a credit to his family, his friends, and his profession. He epitomized the good that we should all strive for. He continues to be missed!
Craig Walczyk
March 13, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss. Judge Duffy was a great and kind man.
Bill and father Jack Duffy
March 13, 2013
March 11, 2013
Thank you both so very much.
Patricia Downs
March 7, 2013
God bless Judge Duffy's family. God bless Judge Duffy in heaven. He charted untested waters for me and my children on the last day of 1989 (a day most in the court house employ didn't work). God bless his courage and fortitude on the behalf of me and my children. I hope his 96 years were filled with joy and pride!
March 4, 2013
Wishing you all the peace that comes from knowing that your father/grandfather lived a very good life. My sympathy for your loss. Marilyn Kopetsky
candace dietz
March 2, 2013
I am so sorry to hear of Judge Duffy's passing. My husband and I liked him very much as a fun person and remember how well he played his fiddle on St. Patrick's day and at various funerals. God bless him. Heaven has gained; earth has lost. Candace Dietz
March 2, 2013
To the Bill Duffy family- Your father has cone to Goessls Barbershop for years, I have had the pleasure of cutting his beautiful hair, Our conversations were the best in the world. I have gained so much knowledge from him. I will miss him and our Political talks. It was a pleasure to know him. Kathy and Elaine
Dan & Sandy Williquette
March 2, 2013
Sorry to hear of Bill's passing. His wife and family were very near and dear to my mother, Madeline Williquette, who was Betty's first cousin. Sorry we couldn't be there to commiserate with Pat and Bud. But your families are in our thoughts. Dan and Sandy Williquette.
March 1, 2013
I always enjoyed appearing before Judge Duffy. A kinder, wiser, more patient Judge never graced the bench. I met him a few years ago at the Weidner Center, and he was still as gentle and friendly and interesting as ever. My condolences to his family.
Jane Kruger Smith
Ellen Scheibe
March 1, 2013
A finer man, a wiser man, a more compassionate man we could never find. This was someone we could look up to in every way. He was humble, knowing when to laugh and when to cry, knowing what should be taken seriously, and when to make merry. He never forgot anyone, I don't think. He was so appreciative of family and friends and faith and music and knowledge gained from history and experiences---all that God had bestowed upon him in his lifetime. I treasure the memories of Bill that will remain in my heart.
Jim and Pam Van Den Berg
March 1, 2013
Sorry to hear the news, Bill and Betty and family were a big part of our family on good old Christiana Street. Our thoughts are with you
Dick Oliver
February 28, 2013
A very great man, a great lawyer, a great judge but most of all, a great Irish fiddler. RIP
Tommy Lynn
February 28, 2013
My condolences to the Van de Kamp family. I know how much of an impact your Dad/Grandfather had on all of you. You are in my thoughts.
Tommy Lynn
Sara Hale
February 28, 2013
My deepest sympathy for the Duffy family. I had the honor of spening time with Mr. Duffy when I worked at Home Instead. He was a true gentleman who had the kindest heart. He will be truly missed.
Peter Christman
February 28, 2013
Mike and Mary, I am so sorry for your loss. Judge Bill was always one of my favorite people and someone I had the highest admiration for.
When Mike and I were in High School we played more than a thousand games of basketball on the driveway at Division street. I remember one particular time we were playing a game and Judge Bill came home from work. It was his 50th birthday and he said, "I guess I can't call myself middle aged anymore unless I plan to live to 100." Well he almost made it. And to me (eventhough I'm 60) Bill will always be middle aged.
Chris Murphy
February 28, 2013
Truly sorry to hear of his passing but very glad to have met him and heard him play. My thoughts are with all the family
Louise Martin
February 28, 2013
To the Duffy Family, my sincere sympathy to all of you. I was in church Sunday and saw a gentleman that looked like your father and I started thinking about your family. The next day he passed. I remember babysitting for Mary and Mike. We lived on Oak Street and you were on Christiana St. Your mom and dad were always very kind to my parents. As a young girl he was always "Mr Duffy" to me and as an adult he was always "Judge Duffy". He was one of the kindest men and such a loving father. He was so proud of his children and such a good husband to Betty. You were very lucky to have had him. He will be missed.
Louise(Lillie)Martin
Bill and son John in Ireland
February 28, 2013
Donna & Richard Flaherty
February 28, 2013
May God's comfort and peace be with you and please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Mary Duffy Van de Kamp
February 27, 2013
Thanks to all of you for taking a moment to share your thoughts about our Dad. it means the world to all of us. We were blessed by having him with us for all this time.
Mary Duffy Van de Kamp
Hon. Jim Bayorgeon
February 27, 2013
My condolences to the Duffy family. Judge Duffy was a good, kind and gentle man. He will be missed deeply by all who knew him.
Hon. J.D. McKay
February 27, 2013
To the entire family: You have my heartfelt sympathy. We have lost a true gentleman! I have known him my entire professional career, and he has always been a friend and mentor. We will all miss him dearly. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Rest in peace, Bill!
February 27, 2013
To the Duffy Family:
When I started practicing law in Green Bay in 1973, your Dad was an esteemed member of the Judiciary. It was with respect that I referred to him as Judge Duffy. Many years later when I too became a Judge, I could never bring myself to refer to your Dad as anything other than Judge. He was a person of much patience and a kind heart as a Judge. He tried to emphasize with all parties to a lawsuit. He treated the people with mental health problems with kindness. One of the best tributes to a person is his character. I never heard anyone say anything unkind about your Dad. There was no reason to. In addition the Democrats of this County lost one of their founding fathers. We will miss him. St. Patrick's Day at VanAbels won't be the same without your Dad playing the fiddle.
You have our condolances.
Judge Mark Warpinski
February 27, 2013
Judge Duffy was a reeat man, a great irishman, an honest judge and person. His memories will live on.
Jerry Meyer
Chris Kaisershot
February 27, 2013
My condolences to the whole Duffy clan for your loss. A great man will be missed. Bill was a fatherly figure to me who I looked up to both literally and figuratively. I have so many good memories of him. Bill fiddling with the family making some good Irish music. Bill with his roses, Bill with his New Yorker, Bill at the cottage wearing his sailing cap and Bill and Betty. Thanks for all the memories; you will be greatly missed by all the people you touched near and far.
February 27, 2013
To Judge Duffy's family -
We are so sorry for your loss, but also amazed that our Dad, Patrick C. Mullen, Judge Duffy's college roommate and life long friend, died last Wednesday, Februrary 20, 2013. My brother spoke with Judge Duffy to relay the sad news. Now they are together again as eternal friends.
With sympathy,
Spes (Mullen) Mekus and family
Jacob Valentine
February 27, 2013
A man who bowed the fiddle with a light in his heart. May the good stories flow.
Sean Doyle
February 27, 2013
Rest in Peace Judge.
Bernard and Mary Lou Van Dreel
February 27, 2013
Judge Duffy's family, Judge Duffy was a true public servant, kind and fair he will be missed by the community. With God's help and time your pain will be eased.
Mary Lou and Bernie VanDreel
Steve Hahn
February 27, 2013
My condolences and kind thoughts at the passing of your father and grandfather, whose music will always be heard.
Charles Mullen
February 26, 2013
As my brother Terry said, my father and Judge Duffy were lifelong friends. When my father died last week, one of my first calls was to Judge Duffy. I'm so sorry to hear that he has died now, too. You have my deepest sympathy.
Maureen Klein and Family
February 26, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sorrowful time.
Kathie Schipper
February 26, 2013
One Of the most rewarding experiences of my life was spending time with Judge Duffy. He was a kind and thoughtful man.He will be sadly missed.
Terry Mullen
February 26, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss. My own father -- Judge Duffy's college roommate and best friend -- passed away six days ago and I have spent the past week looking at old yearbooks, marveling at what a fine pair of fellows the two friends were. My deepest condolences.
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