Alois Ducklow, Jr., Passes

[Published November 28, 2010]
[Updated November 30, 2010]

Alois "Al" Ducklow, Jr., age 71, of Menomonie, died unexpectedly on Friday, Nov. 25, 2010, at his home in Menomonie. [Editor: He was 70.]

Al was born May 22, 1940, the son of Alois and Betty (Van Nortwick) Ducklow in Gilman Township, Pierce County. He grew up in the Spring Valley area and attended Spring Valley Schools, graduating with the Class of 1958.

After high school Al worked at Madson Lumber in Spring Valley until about 1963. He worked at Spring Valley Elevator for Floyd Klanderman for more than 10 years and then worked for Standard Battery in St. Paul, Minn., until retiring.

On May 25, 1963, Al married Lorraine O'Bryan at the Elmwood Methodist Church. They were blessed with two children: Lori and Mike. They lived in the Spring Valley area until moving to Menomonie in 1993 after retiring. He and Lorraine were caretakers for Memorial Heights Apartments for 17 years.

Al's favorite pastime was going to his brother's cabin at Grand Rapids, Minn., and spending as much time as he could with a fishing pole in his hand. He also enjoyed reading, puttsin' around the garage, and most of all spending time with his kids and grandchildren, who meant the world to him.

Preceding him in death were his parents and grandparents.

He is survived by his wife Lorraine of Menomonie; his daughter and son: Lori (John) Songs and Mike (Yvonne) Ducklow all of Boyceville; two grandchildren, Michelle (Travis) Swenby of Wheeler and Troy Butler of Glenwood City; three great-granddaughters, Emily, Amy and Brandy Swenby; two step-grandsons, Shane Songs and John Songs III; four step-great-grandchildren; five brothers, Richard (Shirley) Ducklow of Glenwood City, Gerald (Collette) Ducklow of Spring Valley, Steven (Bonnie) Ducklow of Amery, Robert (Mary) Ducklow of Spring Valley and Duane (Mary) Ducklow of Spring Valley; two brothers-in-law, Bob (Bella) O'Bryan and Walter (Ann) O'Bryan Jr.; one sister, Betty Bohn and her friend Randolf Firman [Freeman]; many nieces and nephews; and other relatives and friends.

Visitation was on Sunday, Nov. 28, 2010, from 4:30 until 6:30 p.m. and followed by the service at the Congregational Church in Spring Valley with Rev. Jeff Holton officiating. Burial will be at a later date in Spring Lake Cemetery, Spring Valley.

Pallbearers were his five brothers and cousin Fred Schmoker.

Keehr Funeral Home, Spring Valley handled arrangements.

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Obituary for Alois Ducklow

Pierce County Herald, July 29, 2009

Published in IrishTree August 3, 2009

Alois Ducklow, age 93 of Spring Valley, Wisconsin died Saturday, July 18, 2009 at his home in Spring Lake Township.

Al was born January 22, 1916, the son of Frank and Jessie (Roatch) Ducklow in Spring Valley.  He grew up on the Rush River and attended Rock Elm Elementary School.  He farm (sic) and worked at the Ellsworth Creamery.  He later owned and operated Ducklow's Tavern in Spring Valley.  He worked as a tender for Brown Plastering, retiring in 1981.

Al was a talented athlete and was a member of Duffy's Darlings Baseball team when they won the State Championship.  He played second base and also pitched.  His love of sports continued as he followed and attended the sporting events of his 6 sons, his grandchildren and great grandchildren.  he loved to go for drives and was always punctual.  You could just about set your clock according to Al's schedule.  Besides spending time with his family, you could find Al fishing almost everyday.

Preceding him in death were his parents; his wife Betty; 5 brothers and 1 sister.

Survivors include his 6 sons: Alois 'Junior' (Lorraine) Ducklow of Menomonie; Richard (Shirley) Ducklow of Glenwood City; Gerald (Colette) of Spring Valley; Steven (Bonnie) Ducklow of Amery; Robert (Mary) Ducklow of Spring Valley and Duane (Mary) Ducklow of Spring Valley; 10 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; 3 great great grandchildren; sister Vanita Olson of Woodville; 3 sisters-in-law; Mae Ducklow of N. St. Paul; and Genevieve Ducklow of Spring Valley; Esther Ducklow of River Falls; many nieces nephews, other relatives and friends; and his faithful dog George.

Visitation was on Wednesday, July 22, 2009 from 5-8 p.m. at Keehr Funeral Home, Spring Valley.  A funeral service was held at 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home with Rev. D. Peter Friberg officiating.  Alois' sons served as pallbearers.  Burial was on Thursday, July 23, 2009 at Spring Lake Cemetery, Spring Lake Township, Wisconsin. 

Keehr Funeral Home, Spring Valley handled arrangements.

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