Richard “Rick” A. Duba

Richard “Rick” A. Duba, age 75, of Harshaw, WI, passed away on Tuesday, July 14, 2026. Rick was born on March 31, 1951, in Racine, WI, to Casimir and Violet (Fink) Duba. He proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. On June 8, 1974, Rick married the love of his life, Mary Van Dyke. Together they built a life centered on love and family in Appleton, WI, for 40 years. They retired to the beauty of the Northwoods of Wisconsin.

Rick had an enduring love for nature and found his greatest joy outdoors. He was passionate about wildlife, especially birds and loons. He built owl nesting boxes, kept countless bird feeders filled year-round, and loved sitting outside calling birds and loons close enough to enjoy their presence. As a dedicated member of the Hancock Lake Association, Rick tracked and recorded the loon population on the lake for Wisconsin Northwoods conservation efforts, helping preserve the natural beauty he treasured. A gifted gardener, Rick surrounded his home with flowers and tended to vegetables and herbs grown in pots on their home’s deck. Rick was also a true foodie who loved spending time in the kitchen preparing meals and experimenting with new recipes. One of his favorite traditions was going to the Alpine Bar to cheer on the Green Bay Packers while enjoying his homemade jalapeño poppers that he shared with friends. Rick was an avid hunter and fisherman, Rick embraced the Northwoods lifestyle and was an active member of the Nokomis ATV/UTV Club. Among his talents, he was a gifted artist, meticulous oil painter, and loved music. He played the guitar by ear and was self-taught. From acoustic, electric and 12 string, there were always many instruments around his home. Professionally, Rick was recognized as a Fellow of the Patent Society at Miller Electric/ITW. Above all else, Rick cherished his family. He especially loved spending time with his grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife of over 52 years, Mary Duba; his sons, John Duba and Christopher Duba; his daughter, Samantha (Travis) Rich; his father, Casimir Duba; his sisters, Diane (Jim) Dercole and Carol Duba; and his brother-in-law, Dave Van Dyke. He is further survived by his grandchildren, Atlas and Hazel, in addition to many nieces and nephews. Rick was preceded in death by his mother, Violet; his in-laws, Lloyd and Ruth Van Dyke; and his sisters-in-law, Emily Van Dyke and Kathy Gillis.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, July 27, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church -320 E. Washington Avenue in Tomahawk. The family will receive friends for visitation from 1:00 PM until the time of services at 2:00 PM. Burial will be held at the Northwoods National Cemetery on Tuesday, July 28, with full Military Honors. Generations Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family. You may view Richard’s obituary and leave online condolences at generationsfuneral.com.