Oscar ‘Duffy’ Duffield

PRINCETON — Oscar E. “Duffy” Duffield passed away on Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, surrounded by his family.

Duffy was born on Aug. 30, 1928, in DePue to Oscar and Viola (Moore) Duffield. He married the love of his life, Joan Christensen, on Feb. 5, 1949.

He graduated from DePue High School in 1946. He enlisted in the U.S. Army after graduating high school and was honorably discharged in 1948.

He was a member of the Masons and worked at Ingredion of Pekin, formerly known as Corn Products, until retirement, when Joanie and Duffy went to Sebring, Fla., to enjoy some sunshine down south. When they returned, they moved to Morton. Duffy would drive cars with his friend, Roger, to auction at a local car dealership.

Duffy enjoyed fishing and camping at Kentuckiana Kampgrounds in Mackinaw, where they were regulars at the Saturday evening entertainment show. Many friendships were made there. Duffy had many nieces and nephews that he "adopted" as his own. He would spoil each and every one of them. His family and his wife were the most important things in the world to him.

He also loved animals. He was known as the "park dog walker" wherever he went. He would walk the dogs in his trailer park daily. He was an inspiration to all that knew him and his kind heart and generosity of love with be missed by so many.

Duffy is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Joanie; two sisters, Cheryle (Eugene) Owens of Princeton and Jeanie (James) Saal of Tennessee; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Lawrence, Glenn and George; and two sisters, Lily Mae Bucklex and Violet Koonce.

A private graveside service will be held at a later date and time.

The Norberg Memorial Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.norbergfh.com.