Norman Howard Duncan

1928 - 2026

On January 31st 2026, after a short but courageous battle with cancer Norman Duncan was called home by his Lord and Savior to be with his wife and son at the age of 98..

Norman was born in Chicago, Illinois on the 22nd day of January 1928 to Clarence and Clara (Hoffman) Duncan. Norman's sense of service was instilled by his parents from an early age and strengthened by his time in the Boy Scouts. He was also a member of the Chicago Drum and Bugle Corp in 1944 where he met the love of his life Lillian, who was a majorette and Norman played the drums. He then enlisted in the army towards the end of WWII on 18th of February, 1946. He served doing telecommunications work for the army and was discharged on the 20th of August,1947. During his time in the service he was wooing the lady who would later become his wife. Norman and Lillian were married on October 16th of 1948, and were blessed with 73 years of marriage until her passing in 2021. He started his career with the telephone company starting with Illinois Bell also in 1948. Norman spent 40 years in Chicago serving in the telephone industry from installation to climbing poles to working the switch boards, he worked every job there was in that fast changing industry.

Norman retired from the phone company in 1988 but his times of service were far from over. He immediately began working and volunteering at St Peter's Lutheran Church and School where he and Lillian were members. Norman worked there doing construction, maintenance, repair work and of course all of the telephone and audio/visual wiring and installation for the next 20 years, he loved staying busy and working to empower young kids. He officially retired on his 80th birthday from a daily routine but continued to consult and share his knowledge there for two more years.

In 2010 Norman and Lillian moved from Roselle, Illinois to Big Timber, Montana to be closer to some of the family. Norman immediately immersed himself with the Big Timber Lutheran Church and the Crazy Mountain Museum due largely to his faith and his love of history. He was seen frequently eating at the Bakery and at the Senior Center with many of his friends.

Norman was one of those unique individuals who would help or share his knowledge with anyone who would ask and generally leave them feeling better for the exchange. He will be missed by many, many people whose lives he touched in one way or another. His sense of humor was never ending until his passing. He will be truly missed by his entire family and friends.

Norman was preceded in death by his wife Lillian and son Ross Duncan. He is survived by his sons, Bruce (Mariann) Duncan of Big Timber, Randy (Bonnie) Duncan of Elgin Illinois and daughter Colleen (Karl) Conner of Big Timber and Daughter-In-Law Cyndi Duncan of Bellvidere Illinois. He has nine grandchildren, Buck Duncan, Levi Duncan, Kelly Duncan, Greg (Gina) Duncan, Corey Duncan, Brendan Duncan, James Ellis, Justin (Caroline) Ellis and Kenny Conner. He was also blessed to know nine great-grandchildren and one great, great-grandchild.

Services will be held at the Big Timber Lutheran Church on Saturday February 7th , 2026 at 11:00 a.m., to follow will be a Graveside Military Honors at Mountain View Cemetery.

Memorials may be given in his memory to the Big Timber Lutheran Church, PO Box 278, Big Timber, MT 59011 or the Crazy Mountain Museum, PO Box 83, Big Timber, MT 59011.

To leave condolences for the family please visit www.stenbergfuneralhome.com