Richard Thomas Ducat, 78, New Franken, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 24, 2023, from cancer with loving support from his family and friends. Richard was born on March 16, 1945, in the town of Eaton, to the late Clarence and Marie (Puyleart) Ducat. He married the love of his life, Mary Vanden Avond on April 18, 1964, and enjoyed 59 years of marriage and over 65 years together.
Richard was a dairy farmer in Forestville for over 38 years. He was a man of faith, love, and family. Richard enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, tending to his raspberries, playing sheepshead with his family and friends, and spending the night with Mary playing Rummikub, even though she cheated.
Richard will be sadly missed by his wife Mary; four children, Amy (Jeff) Koenen, Stacy (Anders Sandli) Mueller, Chrissy (Doug) Casper and Rick (Vicki) Ducat; grandchildren, Addie, Bella Mueller, Trenton, Bryce Ducat, and Mya Casper. Richard is also survived by his brothers, Clarence Jr. (Judy Ritchie) Ducat, and Glenn Ducat; sisters, Mary Jane Grusznski, Janet (Tom) Breunig, Jackie (Bernie) Reed; brother and sister in-law, Joe (Judy) Smits, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, father and mother in-law, Jim, and Adeline Vanden Avond; brothers, Joseph, Kenny, and Raymond; sisters, Joyce Vanden Heuvel, JoAnn Minkel, Janice and Judy Ducat; brother in-law, Barney Grusznski and sister’s in-law, Germaine Ducat, and Margaret Ducat.
Funeral Mass was held at St. Louis Catholic Church, on Saturday, April 29, 2023. Richard will be entombed at the Shrine of the Good Shepherd Mausoleum. Online condolences may be expressed at www.prokowall.com.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Jaslowski and his team, Unity Hospice Home Care and Unity Hospice Meng Residence, for the loving dedicated care Richard received.
