Joe Duckett

Joseph “Joe” Norbert Duckett, 76, passed away peacefully on June 15, 2023, after a brief illness.

Joe was born in Green Bay on July 27, 1946, to parents Norbert and Arileen Duckett. He grew up on the family farm in Maribel, oldest of seven children. After graduating from Denmark High School he attended UW- River Falls. Joe then joined the US Army and became a member of the Wisconsin National Guard for 6 years.

He married Karen Skornicka on June 24, 1967. Joe and Karen raised their children, Jeff and Jennifer, in Denmark. He began his work career as a salesperson at Montgomery Ward. He spent the majority of his career, though, in the beverage industry, working for both 7-Up Bottling for many years before moving on and later retiring from Kay Distributing.

He enjoyed vacationing with family and friends, spending many family vacations at Sand Bay in Door County and traveling to warm destinations around the US with the Goral’s. No matter where they went, he always ran into someone he knew. Joe had a legendary gift of gab until a stroke limited his ability to express himself. We are sure he is now enjoying being able to talk non-stop in heaven with his family and friends.

He enjoyed sports, both as a participant and a spectator. He was an avid golfer, a Packers season ticket holder, and a big follower of Denmark High School sports. He also gave back to the community. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, and served on the Denmark School board for 24 years, much of the time as president.

He is survived by his 2 children Jeff (Julie) Duckett and Jennifer (Andy) Calhoun, grandchildren McCain, Brady and Kassidy Duckett and Kypton and Macynn Calhoun, siblings Dick (Lynnette) Duckett, Bob (Betty) Duckett, John Duckett, Mary Ellen (Tom) Simons, Tim (Jayne) Duckett, Dennis (Sandy) Duckett, as well as many nieces, nephews and other loved ones.

He was preceded in death by his wife Karen, parents, Norbert and Arileen, Karen’s parents: Jim and Vern (Malcore) Skornicka; brothers-in-law Bob Skornicka and James Rasmussen, sisters-in-law Mary Lou (Schaetz) Duckett and Betty (Mleziva) Duckett, and niece Leah (Duckett) Gray.

Family and friends may visit at Prince of Peace Catholic Community, 3425 Willow Road, Green Bay, on Wednesday, June 21, from 4-7pm. A prayer service will conclude the evening. Visitation will continue on Thursday, at the church, from 9:00am until 9:45am. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00am. Cotter Funeral and Cremation Care is assisting the family.

Special thanks to Unity Hospice as well as the nurses and sitters on the 2nd floor at Aurora Bay Care for guiding him though his last days with comfort and compassion.