Memorial
William F. Duffy Jr, 66, of Cedar Rapids, passed away on Wednesday, October 9, 2019 after a battle with cancer.
A funeral mass celebrating Bill’s life will be held at 10:30 AM Wednesday, October 16, 2019 at St. Pius X Catholic Church, with the Rev. Phil Thompson and Rev. Don Klein officiating. Visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 PM Tuesday at the Cedar Memorial Chapel Stateroom and 1 hour prior to mass on Wednesday.
Survivors include his wife Jan; 11 siblings; Daniel (Susan) Duffy, Peggy Anne (David) Duffy-Cook, Diane Duffy, Maureen Morrissey, Denise Duffy Dahleen, Kathleen (John Garfall) Duffy, Jeanne (John Halbleib) Duffy, Marianne (Richard) Duffy-Gonzales, Brian Duffy, Michael (Barbara) Duffy and Colleen (Fred) Duffy-Kowalski and many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Margaret.
William Farrell Duffy Jr was born August 28, 1953 in Chicago, the son of William and Margaret Duffy. Bill graduated from Montini Catholic H.S. in Lombard, IL and Loras College in Dubuque. He married Janice “Jan” Bernhardt on November 9, 1991 in Cedar Rapids. Bill and Jan made their home in Marion and later in Cedar Rapids. Bill was a long-time active member of St Pius X.
Bill was an author and publisher writing a book “Destiny Ours” based on his father’s experiences in WWII. He travelled to Malaysia to research the area and people for the story where much of the narrative takes place. Writing this book fulfilled a promise Bill had made to his father before his father passed away.
Bill was an avid Chicago Cubs fan his entire life. He enjoyed camping, hiking, biking, canoeing and just being outdoors with his dogs. He loved the Duffy Family canoe trips, cool vacations and traveling with Jan. His dogs, Bandit, Riley and Tucker were dear companions.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the
Luekemia & Lymphoma Society or to the family in Bill’s memory.