Thomas D. Duffek, 96, Green Bay, passed away peacefully in his sleep in the early morning hours on Tuesday, June 18, 2024. Tom was born in Matoon, WI on December 26, 1927, son of the late Clara (Duffek) Meverden. He married the love of his life, Delores Balke, on October 30, 1948 and they shared 75 years together, rarely being apart from each other.

Tom was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Green Bay. He was a veteran of WWII, serving in Japan and a member of the American Legion Post 11 Sullivan-Wallen in Green Bay. Tom was a beekeeper for 58 years, starting out as a hobby and expanding into a successful business with his wife as Duffek Apiaries. Beekeeping was Tom's passion and the honey he produced was enjoyed by family, friends, relatives, locals, tourists, and many businesses. Tom and Delores loved to polka and would attend dances with friends and relatives at various ballrooms throughout the years. They also enjoyed watching the weekly televised Lawrence Welk Show. They took many bus trips to various casinos and traveled to many countries with tour groups, including New Zealand, Hawaii, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, China, to name a few.

Survivors include his wife, Delores and 4 children and 9 grandchildren: son, Richard Duffek of Green Bay; daughter, Brenda Paltzer of Freedom and her children: Michelle (Paul) Ramus and Jeremy (Kelly) Paltzer; son, Steven (Robin) Duffek of Sobieski and their children: Jason (Kim) Duffek, Erik (Jana) Kurth, and Stephanie (Ryan) Polakoski; daughter, Jody (Pat) Cota of Hortonville and their children: Jennifer Bougie, Jaci (Luke) Strasburg, Brad (Melanie) Bougie, Greg Cota (fiancé Jenna Krueger). He is also survived by 24 great-grandchildren, with one on the way, and two great-great-grandchildren, with one on the way. Tom is further survived by brother-in-law and sister-in-law, William (Cynthia) Balke of Plymouth; sister-in-law, Carol St. Louis-Herb of Connecticut; sister-in-law, Barbara Wix of Fond du Lac; sister-in-law, Sheri Balke of Shawano; and many nieces and nephews.

Tom was preceded in death by his mother, Clara and stepfather, Grover Meverden; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Truman and Esther Balke; brothers, Jerome Meverden, Charles Meverden, Leroy Meverden; sister, Edwina Weisnicht; brothers-in-law, James Weisnicht, Arthur Balke, George Trewyn, Howard Dieck, Andrew Pockat, Thomas St. Louis, James Herb, Robert Wix; sisters-in-law, Delores Meverden, Alice Meverden, LaVerne Trewyn, Lorraine Pockat; son-in-law, John Paltzer; granddaughter, Melissa Cota; as well as many relatives and friends.

Friends and family will gather at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 210 S. Oneida Street, Green Bay, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 28; Service to follow at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Paul Pett officiating and military honors to conclude the service. A private family entombment will be at Nicolet Memorial Gardens Mausoleum in Green Bay. To send online condolences, please go to www.BlaneyFuneralHome.com.

For those unable to attend, services will be livestreamed on Redeemer Lutheran Church's website https://redeemerlutherangb.com/media or viewed at a later time on their YouTube channel www.youtube.com/@rlcgb .

The family would like to thank Pastor Paul Pett, the staff at Emerald Bay Retirement Community, St. Croix Hospice, and Blaney Funeral Home for their care and support.

Dad, we know you peacefully entered God's kingdom when he handed you your "exit ticket" and opened the doors to his heavenly kingdom. You will be missed more than words can say and we will join you someday in heaven when we receive our tickets. You will always be loved, remembered, and treasured. Love, Mom, Dick, Brenda, Steve & Robin, and Jody & Pat.