William J. Duffy

Winona,December 6, 1943 - July 18, 2008William J. Duffy "Mr. Bill", 64, of Winona died at his home after a courageous battle with cancer. Bill was retired from the United States Army after 20 years of service. He served two tours in Vietnam, Korea, France and Germany. He was well known throughout Winona as an avid dart player and for his culinary abilities serving many pork chop feeds with his cooking crew of the Winona AMVETS. Bill was a very active member of American Legion Post # 9, the Eagles Club Aerie #1243 and the Veterans of Foreign War Post #1287. He was born in Winona and spent his early years in Joliet, IL, attending catholic schools and leaving Joliet Central High School to join the Army. Bill was preceded in death by his father and mother, Bernard J. and Elizabeth (Snow) Duffy and by a brother Daniel G. (Sandra) Duffy. He leaves behind his family that will miss him deeply; his wife Maxine, two sons, John P. (Janine) Duffy of Pennsylvania, Gerald A. (Tammy) Duffy of Texas, stepsons, Greg (Gail) Lemmer of Winona and Nick (Kristy) Lemmer of Minneapolis, a brother-in-law John (Judy) Keen of Winona, a sister-in-law Phyllis Scattum of Winona, six grandchildren; Taylor, Austin, Jordan, Emily, Ryan and Kyleigh Rose, step grandchildren; Katie, Nathan, and Madeline Lemmer, a brother Patrick R. Duffy of Illinois, a sister Theresa A. Duffy of Virginia, an uncle Robert (Cornella) Podjaski of Winona, an aunt Patricia McGuire of Winona. Nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews will remember uncle Billy as the one to have a good time with. Many cousins, especially the Hennessey's left Bill with many fond memories. He was a die hard Chicago Bears fan. He was owner of Duffy's Tap, now The Handy Corner, and then went on to retire from the Mankato Bar as a bartender. He leaves behind his many friends who no doubt will have many stories to tell for years to come. A Celebration of Bill's Life will be at 5PM Wednesday at Hoff Funeral & Cremation Service, Hansen Goodview Chapel. Services will consist of The Reverend Thomas Hargesheimer conducting a Christian Wake Service. Memories of Bill's life will then be shared with, military honors conducted by the Winona American Legion and Veterans of Foreign War Posts to conclude services. Friends may call from 3 PM through time of services. A reception will follow at the Winona Veterans of Foreign War Post #1287. Burial will be in Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis. Please share a memory on Bill's on-line guestbook and view his video tribute at www.hofffuneral.com. Bill's family would like to thank Winona Area Hospice for their care and magnificent organization.
Tribute video can be found at: videos.lifetributes.com/24389