Kim M. Duket

Kim Marie Duket, age 64, passed away peacefully with her son at her bedside on December 21st, 2024 at Froedtert Hospital after a long struggle with respiratory disease. Kim was born on February 14, 1960 to Walter and Sharon Duket in Milwaukee, WI. Kim grew up on the south side of Milwaukee, a couple blocks from St. Josaphat Basilica. Kim and her sisters attended St. Josaphat School, and along with their parents were active members of the school and church. Kim’s childhood provided some of her happiest memories which she enjoyed sharing before her passing. The cottage on School Section Lake that belonged to her grandparents was where the entire family would gather to enjoy time together, playing games, swimming, fishing, and just being kids. Kim and her sister Cindy were closest in age and did everything together growing up. After attending South High School, Kim earned an associate degree in accounting from Milwaukee Area Technical College and worked for the Marcus Corporation. Due to her son Richard becoming ill with a rare blood disorder, she made the choice to be a full time mother. Her commitment to his care and treatment allowed him to make a full recovery. This in turn made for many difficult years for Kim and her son, but it showed the true love she always had and the dedicated mother that she was. Kim battled with multiple digestive and respiratory issues throughout her life. She spent the last 20 years in and out of the hospital, particularly this past year, while still keeping a positive mindset on life. She kept herself busy over the years with hobbies such as crocheting and reading as well as staying active on a daily basis. Kim had always dreamed of having grandkids. Kim’s dream came true with the birth of her first granddaughter Gianna Marie Lopez. She was at the hospital holding her after her birth and blessing her at her baptism. She embraced her role as a new grandma immediately giving Gianna a second home, an open door at grandma's house any time. Then Kim's second miracle arrived: Lucia Grace Lopez. Kim was dedicated to spending quality time with her granddaughters whenever the opportunity presented itself: changing diapers, teaching ABCs, playing games, taking long walks, and even the challenging task of settling arguments. Kim lived her best life and was happiest taking care of her grandkids. This was an enormous blessing to the girls and to their busy parents. Kim’s foundational presence in the lives of her son and granddaughters will live on in their memories and in their hearts. As their guardian angel, looking down from above, her love, comfort, protection and inspiration will be with them always. Kim was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Sharon Duket. She is survived by her son Richard Lopez, her granddaughters Gianna and Lucia Lopez, her sisters Debra Luetzow (James), Cindy Dicks (Thomas), Kelli Duket, her nephews and nieces Jacob Wolfe (Serenity), Matthew Dicks (Hallie), Julie, Sarah (Daniel Neely) and Ann Luetzow, great nephew and niece Brayde and Isabella Wolfe. Kim’s celebration of life will take place at St. Leonard’s Church, W173S7743 Westwood Drive, Muskego, WI 53150 on February 8th, 2025. Visitation will take place from 9:00 to 10:45 a.m. in the church’s foyer. The funeral mass is at 11:00. Inurnment at St. Leonard’s Columbarium will take place immediately following mass.

Kim M. Duket

December 21, 2024