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Jennifer Duke Obituary

Anchorage resident Jennifer Nichole Duke, 26, died Aug. 24, 2008, at Providence Alaska Medical Center.
A visitation will be at noon, with a service at 1 p.m. today at Anchorage Wesleyan Church, 1041 E. 76th Ave., Anchorage, 99518. Michael Flanigan will officiate. A graveside service will follow at Anchorage Memorial Park Cemetery, with a reception afterward at Anchorage Wesleyan Church. Pallbeareres are: Sam Duke, Abraham Duke, Rhon Duke, Michael Mann, Terry Mann and Frank Hobbs.
Jennifer was born Sept. 19, 1981 in Anchorage at Humana Hospital. Jennifer attended Heritage Christian School from kindergarten through 8th grade and Service High School, where she was an honor student. She then attended the University of Houston College of Hotel and Restaurant Management and served as the president of Club Managers Association of America. She was an office manager for Duke Investments dba Chili's Grill & Bar, and as front desk manager for Duke's 8th Avenue Hotel.
Some things Jennifer loved were fine dining, shopping, she was very artistic and creative with design, most sports, (tennis, soccer, softball, baseball), going to the movies, laughing with friends and traveling - her trips included Europe.
Her family wrote: "She was very good at helping people who needed a friend and witnessing to them about her faith in God. She wasn't afraid to tell you the truth, and people appreciated her honesty.
"Jennifer was always known for her wonderful smile. She could see things in people that they couldn't and help them discover what they wanted to achieve in life. Many people remember her for never giving up on them and always loving them unconditionally. She had warm hugs and your best interest at heart. Jenn would never deny a conversation and was never too busy for the needs of others. Jennifer adored her family and loved being involved in their everyday lives. She was a wonderful daughter, sister, aunt, granddaughter, and niece. Always thinking of you, always praying for you, always wanting your life to be wonderful, no matter her own situation. She had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to make you laugh."
Survivors include her father, David Jay Duke ; mother, Donna Duke; sister, Jacqueline Duke; sister, Emily Duke, all of Anchorage; sister, Jessica Koeser Williston; brother-in-law, Eric Koeser Williston; nephew, Ethan Koeser Williston, all of North Dakota; grandmother, Jacqueline Goode of Anchorage; grandmother and grandfather, Sue and Gene Stratton of Hopkinsville, Ky.; a wonderful cat, Sopphire; and many wonderful uncles, aunts, cousins and friends.

Arrangements with Janssen's Evergreen Memorial Chapel.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Anchorage Daily News from Aug. 29 to Aug. 30, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Jennifer Duke

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Katie Yeates

August 23, 2023

I still think of Jennifer often and am praying for the Duke family. Jennifer was a great friend and taken too soon. I remember my first grade birthday party sleepover where we all put on my mom´s makeup. Jennifer´s cheeks were red with blush, blue eyeshadow caked on and red lipstick. We all looked hilarious! She will be forever missed.

With love,

Katie Yeates

Katie Yeates

August 24, 2022

Dear Duke family,

I was blessed to grow up with Jennifer and will always miss her. I remember sleep overs where we didn´t sleep very much and talking about boys and makeup in middle school. I remember Jennifer would always trade lunches with me at Abbott Loop when my mom packed meatloaf sandwiches! I think of her often and know that it is a loss that will never go away until we meet again someday in Heaven. She was a beautiful young woman who was taken from us too soon but I take comfort in the fact that she is in a better place, smiling down on us.

With love,

Katie (Staten) Yeates

Kayleen

October 10, 2008

Im still missing you. I know it will always be like that, but I dont think it will ever feel any easier.

Jim & Anne Coumbs

September 11, 2008

Dave Dona and Family:
Our prayers are with you. God Bless You. Love,

Charlotte Gilliam Cannon

September 5, 2008

Dear Donna, David and family,
I was so sorry to hear about your daughter's death. No parent should have to bury their child and I can't imagine the pain you are both feeling. I hope the support of your family and friends will help you through this sad time. I spoke to Vicki just minutes ago and I know the whole family is suffering for you all. As time passes I hope all your wonderful memories with Jennifer will give you comfort and strength to get you through this difficult time. I will keep you all in my prayers.

Pam Roberts Wright

September 5, 2008

Dear David, Donna and Family-

I never was blessed to meet Jennifer, but you must be so proud of what a wonderful daughter she was just by all the emails you have received. I was so sad to hear about her passing. Donna it has been along time since seeing you, but always remember the good times growing up. You and your family will be in our prayers always. God Bless and I know with the faith your family has, God will get you through this. What great memories you must have of your beautiful daughter. Love Pam Roberts Wright

vicki mcclain

September 5, 2008

AFTER THE INITIAL SHOCK OF JENNIFER'S PASSING THE MEMORIES CAME FLOODING IN. THIS CHILD THAT LOOKED MORE LIKE ME THAN MY OWN AND WHO ALSO ACTED LIKE ME. MY HEART IS FULL OF PRAYERS AND LOVE FOR YOU ALL.

Pat Thomas

September 4, 2008

Dear Donna & Family,

I just heard about the loss of your daughter the first of this week. I wanted to tell you how sorry I was to hear about it and can only imagine what you and your family are going through. I pray for God to give you and your family strength for the days ahead and to help heal your pain and sorrow. I talked to Vicki tonight and wanted to let you know I was thinking of you and your family. I think of the old days so often and mama cretia too. May god bless each of you and remember all the good times you had with Jennifer.

Jessica Koeser

September 3, 2008

My heart aches for my big sister. When I think of how much we have lost I can barely breath. When I read a sympathy card to David, Donna, Jacqueline, Jessica, and Emily I became angered, how could the person forget Jennifer! Then I realized she needed no more sympathy, she was with Jesus. I looked for her at the funeral when making sure my family was situated in the right places but I only get to five now. Never again will us four girls laugh until we cry, pick on each other like no one else can, or remember our childhood. Never again will the four of us pose for a picture. Jennifer taught me so many things. I see her in someone everywhere I go. I hear her voice in everything I think. My little boy Ethan made her an aunt and he has lost someone who loved him like he was her own. I will tell him how she took care of him when he was sick, read him stories, played with him on Christmas morning, sent him blankies and clothes, talked with me about all of his accomplishments so often. If she were still here I would tell her how Ethan was getting all four top teeth at once and how much he ate for dinner. How he clapped when you sang a song. Jennifer cared about these kind of things, she loved when I just shared my day with her or the simple things that had been happening. Jennifer didn't care that I lived a simple life, she found it exciting and important. She found me important. You can never have too many people who really care and Jennifer was one of mine. When you have a baby who accomplishes so much in a day you want to tell so many. Jennifer was in my top few people to call first when he walked, slept through the night, or just anything! It has only been a week and I feel like she has missed so much. Jennifer loved my little family so much, Eric like a brother, Ethan like her own, and me always her baby sister no matter how old I got. I can't stop thinking about what to get her for her birthday on the 19th. I have to though because she is in a better place and so happy. I hope you can see down from heaven because Ethan sure looks up a lot now.

Jane Shue

September 2, 2008

Dear David , Donna and Family
I did not get to know Jennifer, however I heard a lot about her, and her sisters from Annetta Duke (a very god friend) on her visits to Anchorage. My prayers are with all of you.

Teresa Mann

August 31, 2008

Jennifer was a very happy, fun loving and energetic little girl. Always a smile on her face that would light up a room. When she smiled she usually giggled too. Always the "girlie girl". She loved shopping more than this aunt of he did, that is for sure. I took her to the mall several times and she would wear me out!! She never seemed to tire of looking for clothes, jewlery, shoes and accessories. She always had a hug and made me feel so loved. I am so happy to call her my niece.

Beverly Jackson

August 31, 2008

Dear David, Donna, and family,

We are sorry to hear about Jennifer. We cannot express our sorrow for you. We were blessed to have known her and your family. She was such a beautiful and godly girl. She loved her family so much because they loved her. It showed in the way she loved others. Her smile would light up a room. We have great memories of her playing with our girls, Devynn, Ashley, and Samantha while we lived in Alaska. Those were some of the best memories we have living near your family. We are so thankful we got the chance to have Jennifer in our lives. We love and miss you. We will be praying for you. Love and God Bless,
Michael, Beverly, Devynn, Ashley, and Samantha

Denise Staten

August 30, 2008

Dear Dave and Donna,

Katie just told me about Jennifer and I feel heartbroken for your family. It's comforting to know she's in a better place; however, we will miss her. I have so many memories of Jennifer-- from the nursery and sunday school at church to what a beautiful young woman she became. Her smile could light up a room. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Love,

Denise Staten

Laurie Clay

August 30, 2008

Dear David, Donna and Family:
When I received David's email, I was so saddened to hear of Jennifer's passing. I will always remember holding Jennifer as a beautiful little six week old infant at my baby shower for Aubree who was yet to be born! I have pictures of her at that baby shower holding her and I have sooooo sooooo many pictures of her and the girls throughout their years growing up, I will be glad to share them with you if you would like. You have always been special people reaching out to our family and others throughout the years. I know how much you love your girls and what a sorrow this has to be for you. WE will keep you lifted up in prayer and please know that our hearts and thoughts will be with you. My door is always open to you any time you need or want a warm place to escape to.
When Aubree and I were in Anchorage two summers ago we were able to see Jennifer and she was so sweet and brought all kinds of Chili's appetizer's to the dinner ~ I have pictures from that night as well being the picture-a-holic that I am! Just know that you are loved and I wish I was there to hug you. I am so sorry for you loss.
Love,
Laurie Clay, Aubree & Ashlee

Jacqueline Duke

August 30, 2008

My poor baby sister....you won't hurt anymore, you won't be sick anymore, you won't be lonely anymore. I envy where you are :) everything is now truly perfect exactly what you always dreamed about your whole life. Up there its all about BIG DREAMS; things only God could provide. I will miss you and think of you every day. I would do anything for one last hug and smile but I guess I will just wait till I see you again. Love you and thank you for everything.

Kevin and Mary Pat Brown

August 29, 2008

Dear Dave and Donna,
We are so saddened to hear about your daughter, Jennifer. May you be comforted by our Lord's arms wrapped around you at this time. Your family is in our prayers.

Rick & Chris Siler

August 29, 2008

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Joe & Toni LoMonaco

August 29, 2008

Dear David & Donna,

We are truly saddned to hear of Jennifer's passing and cannot imagine your pain & grief. Please try to take comfort in the knowledge that she is at peace and filled with the joy of being with Jesus. We will keep you in our hearts and our prayers. In Christ... Joe & Toni LoMonaco

Noreen Weishaar

August 29, 2008

Dear David and Donna,

The world has lost a jewel. Our love and prayers are with you from Oregon.

In Him,
Terry & Noreen Weishaar

Lori Kauble

August 29, 2008

Donna & David,

I cannot express my deepest sorrow to you at this time. Just knowing that Jennifer is no longer in pain or suffering is the only relief that we have. She is now with "Moma Cretia" and she is looking out for her!! My only regret is that we did not have the opportunity to have been together as often as we would have liked but one day we will all be together, forever. I love and miss you all.

Lori Kauble

Fonda Carpenter

August 29, 2008

Jennifer was loved and she will be greatly missed.

Sue and Gene Stratton

August 29, 2008

Donna and David.
We loved Jennifer as one of our own. She was one our most favored of the grandchildren. She had a personality and attitude around us that woul'd make you love her. You don't know how we are going to miss her.Our thoughts are with you all at this time.
God bless all of you at this time.
We love all of you.
Moma and Gene

Ruth and John Marchetti

August 29, 2008

We remember Jenn so well, and with thankfulness for having known her. If we were to sum up our expeience with her, it would be "life." She filled every place she was with enthusiasm, joy and encouragement.

We are so sorry to hear of your tremendous loss. We know that nothing we can say will help much, but please know that we care and are praying for you. If there is anything we can do to support you, now or when everyone has gone back to their regular lives leaving you to face emptiness, please do not hesitate to call on us.

Kayleen Preston

August 29, 2008

We had just hung out Friday. I had so much to tell you that happened on Saturday, you were gone on Sunday. One day passes and I had so much to tell you. What am I going to do for the rest of my days. You are my best friend. I know your with me. At least now when I talk to myself I wont look like such a freak cause if they ask, i'll say I was talking to you!

Lynn Anderson

August 28, 2008

I was so sorry to hear of Jennifer's passing. Sorry, not for Jennifer, because she has passed from this life into life with her Jesus.
My heart goes out to you, her family and friends. She was and is a beautiful person.
May our Lord give you strength and comfort now and in the days to come.
With love,
Lynn Anderson

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