Etta M. McDuffee

Etta M. McDuffee, 74, of Wheaton, Illinois, formerly of Winfield, passed away peacefully on January 24, 2026.

She was born on May 10, 1951, in Hinsdale, Illinois, to Frederick Prueter and Mildred Filip. Etta grew up in Darien, Illinois, and attended Hinsdale South High School, where she was active in the school choir.

Etta continued her education at Elmhurst College, earning a nursing degree. Throughout her life, she was deeply committed to helping others and caring for those in need. Nursing allowed her to live out that calling, both in direct patient care and later in healthcare administration. She was an honor society nurse affiliated with Alpha Beta, and Zeta Beta and was an active member of APIC, the Association for Professionals in Infection Control.

In 1975, Etta met the love of her life, Kenneth McDuffee. The two were married on January 28, 1978, at Wheaton Evangelical Church in Wheaton, Illinois. They began their life together in Carol Stream, where they lived for more than 33 years until Kenneth's passing in 2011. Etta continued to live there until she moved to her current residence, Wheaton Towers in Wheaton, Illinois.

Etta was a longtime and devoted member of St. Michael's Catholic Church in Wheaton, where she faithfully attended Mass and enjoyed participating in the church choir. She was also very involved with the Metropolitan Owners Club of America and was a founding officer of the Illinois chapter, the Illini Mets.

Etta is survived by her brother, Frederick Prueter of Darian, Illinois; and her niece and nephews, a grandnephew, stepdaughter, Sharon Breeden (Kerry) of Crestview, Florida; four grandchildren; a great-granddaughter. She is also fondly remembered by many dear friends and extended family members.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Hultgren Funeral Home, 304 North Main Street, Wheaton, Illinois 60187. The funeral service will take place on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. at the funeral home.
Interment will follow at Swan Lake Memorial Gardens, 4601 West War Memorial Drive, Peoria, Illinois 61615.