Obituary published on Legacy.com by Heeney-Sundquist Funeral Home - Farmington on Dec. 31, 2025.
Arthur George DuQuet, 81, passed away peacefully at his home on December 27, 2025. Born in
Highland Park, Michigan on July 16, 1944, he was the beloved son of the late Daniel Albert DuQuet and June Marie DuQuet (Kigan). Known to family and friends simply as Art, he grew up in
Farmington, Michigan, where he learned early how to live boldly, care deeply for the people he loved, and turn everyday moments into adventures. At Farmington High School, he became a local legend at the teen club for dance moves that could steal the show-and occasionally win a competition or two.
At the age of 23, Art was drafted into the United States Army. His service shaped him into a man of discipline, loyalty, and quiet strength-qualities that guided him throughout his life.
Art was a devoted husband to Violet DuQuet, his partner in love, laughter, and life. He met Violet at a sister-in-law's wedding, and from that moment, their story began. They were married on August 20, 1977, at the Village Oak Clubhouse in Novi, Michigan, building a marriage grounded in trust, humor, and unwavering support that spanned nearly five decades.
He was a proud father to Nicolas DuQuet and Shane DuQuet, and a deeply devoted grandfather to Dylan and Colton, with whom he loved sharing his passion for adventure, learning, and family traditions.
Art was the kind of dad every kid hoped for. He shot hoops with his children and became famous for his flawless "granny shot" free throws-swishing every time and leaving everyone convinced he had a secret technique. He introduced his children to skeet and trap shooting at age 10, always patient and careful to make sure they had the right equipment. In true Art fashion, he even bought his older son a snow cat as a child, simply because he believed childhood should be unforgettable.
Adventure was part of Art's DNA. He loved golfing, traveling, and making regular trips to Chicago to visit his longtime Army buddy, Pete. He took his family camping throughout the Northeast and New England, exploring Niagara Falls, boardwalks, lobster dinners, and crab rolls. One especially treasured memory was when he rented a houseboat in Tennessee on a cliff-lined lake near Gatlinburg, where the family shared an incredible vacation filled with laughter, relaxation, and lasting memories on the water. His fishing trips were legendary-especially king salmon excursions where he battled massive Chinooks alongside his sons, often running multiple lines at once.
A hardworking entrepreneur, Art founded and worked hands-on at DuQuet Heating and Cooling, earning respect for his integrity, skill, and pride in providing quality service.
Art was a natural storyteller with impeccable timing and a sharp wit. His genuine belly laugh was contagious, and he had an uncanny ability to make people laugh wherever he went. A lifelong learner, he was practically a walking dictionary and completed crossword puzzles daily, keeping his mind as sharp as his humor. He especially cherished time spent playing cards with his brothers and his sister June, where friendly competition, laughter, and family bonds filled the room.
True to his playful and competitive spirit, Art never missed a chance to remind everyone that he attended the 1957 NFL Championship at Briggs Stadium in Detroit, witnessing the Lions' historic victory over the Browns-their only NFL championship win.
Arthur is survived by his wife, Violet DuQuet; his sons, Nicolas (Heather) DuQuet and Shane (Vernoica) DuQuet; his grandchildren, Dylan and Colton; and his siblings, Dan (Sharon) DuQuet, Chuck (Susie) DuQuet, Allen DuQuet, and June Ogden.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings Debbie DuQuet, Mary Teets, and Michael DuQuet; and his brother-in-law, Bill Ogden.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 10, from 4:00–5:00 p.m., and the funeral service will take place on Sunday, January 11, at 3:00 p.m., both at Heeney-Sundquist Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Special Forces Operations Forces Veterans Entrepreneur Grant Foundation, honoring Art's lifelong respect for service and dedication.
Arthur DuQuet lived a life defined by courage, humor, and heart. He leaves behind a legacy of adventure, devotion, hard work, laughter, and enduring love-memories that will continue to live on through the family he cherished so deeply.