Duane M. Heikkinen Jr., of Antigo, died unexpectedly of a heart attack Monday, December 5, 2022, at Aspirus Langlade Hospital. He was 54 years old. He was born on February 25, 1968, in Beloit, a son of Duane and Judy (Solimon) Heikkinen.
Duane graduated from Phelps High School, class of 1986. He joined the United States Army in 1991 and was honorably discharged in 1993 after receiving the National Defense Service Medal and Army Service Ribbon. He worked for Foster and Smith Pet Supply in Rhinelander in 2002 for 11 years where he met Monica Smith, his partner in life. In 2016 he began working for HD Supplies.
Duane loved to travel, going to wineries and wine tasting, and enjoyed his trip with Monica to Wyoming to do an archaeological dig. He had a passion for cooking and fishing. He loved animals and supporting humane societies and zoos.
Survivors include his father, Duane (Judith) Heikkinen of Phelps; significant other, Monica Smith of Antigo; a daughter, Katie (Timothy) Waswick of Mosinee; a son, Duane "Buddy" Heikkinen, III; a sister, Laura (Christopher) Burke of West Yellowstone, Montana; four grandchildren; and his grandmother, Mabel Heikkenin of Phelps.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Judy Heikkinen.
Following Duane's wishes, there will be no service. Memorials can be made in his honor to local humane societies.
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Please accept my most heartfelt sympathies for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.Memorial Tree was purchased for the family of Duane M. Heikkinen, Jr. by Rus Mataika.
Duane will be missed!Memorial Tree was purchased for the family of Duane M. Heikkinen, Jr. by Nick Fernandez.
I've worked with Duane for the last several years at HD Supply and thoroughly enjoyed working with him. Never met him in person due to geography, but had many phone conversations and shared many emails with him. Very likeable guy, hard worker, and a great software developer. So sorry for the loss. We will miss him!
Duane is a very special and loving person! Monica, you have soooo many precious memories with Duane and such a loss for you all! We pray for comfort for you and your Mom and the rest of the family
Monica I'm so sorry. 🙏 for you and your family. 💘 Cindy
Memorial Tree was purchased for the family of Duane M. Heikkinen, Jr. by Anonymous.
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss... Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.Memorial Tree was purchased for the family of Duane M. Heikkinen, Jr. by Miranda Rhode.