Duane L. Lipke Passes Away

Duane L. “Bud” Lipke, age 90, passed away peacefully at his residence on Friday, July 3, 2015 after a courageous battle with Waldenstroms Macroglobulinemia.

He was born on the Lipke Farm in the Town of Deerfield, Waushara County, on June 6, 1925, the son of Leonard and Harriet (Achsah) Lipke. He married Orian “Polly” Humphrey on September 15, 1944. Duane and his wife farmed in the Hancock area for many years; first dairy production, and later growing potatoes for Ore-Ida, along with snap beans, soybeans, and other irrigated crops. Dad believed in the quote of George Washington: “Agriculture is the most healthful, most useful, and most noble employment of man.” Also, his spirituality was evident in his daily living.

Survivors include one son, Harlan (Shirley) Lipke, Plainfield; three daughters, Lucille (Jim) Davis, Anchorage, AK, Trudy (Jack) Buchanan, Hancock, and Cheryl (Lee) Flyte, Coloma.

Duane is further survived by nine grandchildren: Dr. Tracy Lipke-Perry, PhD, (Todd), Duluth, MN, Dr. Trixie Lipke-Otto, MD, (John), Chicago, IL, Byron Davis (fiancée Dasha V.), Anchorage, AK, Brad (Lindsay) Davis, Anchorage, AK, Jami Buchanan, (Brian Novak), Appleton, Eric (Eliza), Buchanan, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Adam (Carrie) Flyte, Coloma, Jessica (Matt) Rettler, Coloma, and J.R. (Kristen) Flyte, Westfield.

He is also survived by fourteen great-grandchildren: Samantha and Paige Davis, James and Brianna Buchanan, Mikayla, Tristan, and Taylor Flyte, Karissa, Makenna, Addyson, and Elliana Rettler, and Henry, Charlie, and Lola Flyte.

Duane was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Orian “Polly” Lipke, one grandson, Timothy Lipke, his parents, and all ten of his siblings.

Memorial services will be held on Wednesday, July 8th, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at the Leikness & Stahl Funeral Home, Plainfield, with the Reverend Don Smith officiating. Burial will be in the Hancock Cemetery. The family greeted relatives and friends from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Please consider memorials to the American Cancer Society, or blood donation to your local blood bank.