Peter John Duginski

Peter John Duginski, 87, our beloved "pater familias," passed away on March 24, 2024. He was our rock, our solid foundation built on faith, family and unconditional love.

A devout Catholic and daily communicant, Peter took immense pride in his Polish heritage. He lived a life of joy and adventure, from the lakes of Minnesota to the desert Southwest. Whether building ice rinks in the backyard or driving the speedboat for endless water skiing, he created fun in every day, a blessing he has shared with three generations.

Peter was born on December 11, 1936, in Winona, MN, to Stanley Joseph and Helen Czapiewska Duginski. He spent his formative years in Moorhead, MN, graduating from Shanley High School in Fargo, ND, Class of '54. He earned a business degree from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota in Winona.

After a long-distance romance, Peter returned to Moorhead to build a home and marry his sweetheart, Mary Meckstroth, in 1959. Together, they raised six children in Moorhead and in Phoenix where they relocated in 1981. Over 50 years, Peter held various positions in the floor covering industry, at Building Interiors in Moorhead and through retirement at Baker Brothers in Phoenix.

Peter is survived by his cherished wife of 64 years, Mary (Meckstroth) Duginski, and their children: Catherine and Matthew Silverman, Susan Pease, Margaret and Tim Eldridge, Michael and Jennifer (Green) Duginski, James and Michele (Romens) Duginski, and Charles and Robyn (Rapp) Duginski. One of eight children himself, Peter is also survived by his sister, Helen Duginski Eaton.

His legacy extends to his 13 grandchildren and their growing families: Nicholas and Malorie (Tardiff) Pease, Gregory and Kayla (Davis) Eldridge, Joshua, Zachary, and Jacob Silverman, John, Elizabeth, and James Duginski, Abby and Benjamin Duginski, Grace and Luke Christofferson, Samuel, and Claire Duginski, as well as his great-grandchild, William Eldridge.

Dad will be remembered for his humor, strength and love. Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter the joy of your Lord.

Visitation will be held from 4-6 pm with a rosary at 4:30 pm on Monday, April 1, at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Road, Phx. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 am on Tuesday, April 2, preceded by Divine Mercy Chaplet at 9:45 am, at St. Theresa Catholic Church, 5045 E. Thomas Road in Phoenix and followed by interment at St. Francis Cemetery in Phx.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the St. Theresa Conference of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, 5045 East Thomas Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85018.