Kenneth Joseph Dukarski

Kenneth "Duke" Joseph Dukarski
February 8, 1940 - January 17, 2025
Age 84
Kenneth "Duke" Joseph Dukarski, 84, of Bay City, Michigan, passed away on January 17, 2025, at Toni & Trish House. He was born on February 8, 1940, in Bay City to the late Stanley J. Dukarski and Eleanor Gertrude (Rytlewski). Ken attended St. Stanislaus School, where he met his future wife, Kathleen "Kathy" Ann Dukarski. They began dating when they were just 16, and were married May 18, 1963, St. Stanislaus Church. Six weeks later, Ken was drafted into the Army, where he served two years of active duty and four years in the reserves.
After returning from the service, Ken spent nearly 40 years working for General Motors, retiring on June 1, 1998. But his real work, the work he loved most, was being a husband, father, grandfather, and all-around "hoot". Ken was an outdoor guy, always up for a camping trip, especially "up north" to their special spot for their camper, a place he and Kathy had cherished. He loved nature-deer, eagles, loons, koalas, you name it..
Ken's real passion was being the loudest cheerleader in the stands. Whether it was a grandkid's soccer game or a tennis match (tennis matches aren't known for their rowdiness, but Ken sure changed that). He was the first to cheer and shout encouragement. Ken also had a trademark line that everyone knew-when asked how he was, his answer was the same: "Ohhhh not bad." No matter what was going on in his life, you knew he was telling you that he was okay, even if things weren't always perfect. If he could answer now, you know he'd say the same.
Ken could often be found making new friends. He had a knack for turning a quick conversation into a long one, with a few "whatchamacallits" in there. He was also a music lover, with a particular fondness for Neil Diamond. His family warmly remembers his eclectic taste in music. It became a big part of his family's life. Ken's love for life extended to his love for his cars, his ability to fix anything broken, and his deep pride in his Catholic faith. He never missed Sunday Mass, even when camping. And when the day was done, there was always pizza, ice cream, and a good game on TV. Ken was always there for anyone who needed him-whether it was to lend a hand or just offer a laugh. His caregivers affectionately referred to him as hilarious.
Ken is survived by his beloved wife of over 60 years, Kathleen "Kathy" Dukarski; children: Keith (Kelly) Dukarski and Kerri (Jayme) Johnson; grandchildren: Hillarie (Brandon) Pike, Nickolas Stenman, Griffin Johnson, Maxwell Johnson, and Kasia Johnson; great-grandchildren: Eleanor and Jude; siblings: Elaine Wagar and Anne (Roger) Novak; special sister-in-law: Nancy Mikolajczak and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and in-laws, his brothers-in-law, Michael Herek and John Wagar, and a special family member Joseph Mikolajczak.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, January 24, 2025, at Our Lady of Czestochowa Parish - St. Stanislaus Church. Visitation will take place at Ambrose Funeral Home Thursday, January 23, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m., with a Vigil service at 6:00 p.m. Additional visitation will occur at the church on Friday from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. Military rites will follow the Mass. Ken will be privately laid to rest at St. Stanislaus Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Toni & Trish House or St. Stanislaus Church. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staff at Toni & Trish House for their exceptional care and support.