Rodney "Mike" Michael Duet, 82, of Huntley, formerly of Chicago and Highland Park, died peacefully in his home on April 4, 2024, with his family by his side.
Mike was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on June 17, 1941, to parents Emmett and Enola (nee Treme) Duet. He then moved with his family to Chicago. It was here that he met and fell in love with Judith “Judy” Fikert and the couple were married on November 3, 1962. A very hard worker, Mike was a proud veteran of the Unites States Army and a skilled machinist who then went on to start his own company. He was easy-going and enjoyed a good family poker game and playing pool. His favorite teams were the Chicago Bulls, the Chicago Cubs, and the Chicago Blackhawks. He loved cooking for his grandchildren, and his Louisiana roots came through in his red beans & rice and his gumbo. Above all else, he treasured his family. He was an excellent role model and truly embodied the act of unconditional love. He was actively involved in his grandchildren’s’ lives and often told them: “Never say never, you can always do what you want if you set your mind to it.” He encouraged and inspired them and loved them deeply. Mike will be missed dearly by all who knew him.
Mike is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Judy Duet, his children, Michael (Laura) Duet and Denise Duet, his grandchildren, Thomas Plambeck Jr., Danielle (Joseph) Simono, and Jeremy (Morgan) Plambeck, and his great-grandchildren, Charli Simono and Skylar Plambeck, with another great-grandchild (parents Danielle and Joe Simono) on the way.
He was preceded in death by his grandson, Matthew Plambeck, and his siblings, Emmett Duet Jr., Violet (Richard) Brezinski, and Patricia (Frank) Tomaszewski.
A cemetery service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, April 15, 2024, at Maryhill Catholic Cemetery, 8600 N Milwaukee Avenue, Niles. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society, donate.cancer.org.
For further information please contact the DeFiore Funeral Home 847-515-8772
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My deepest sympathy on your great loss.
Dearest Dad, What a blessing it has been having you as my Vater… as my friend, as my coworker, as my gambling coach , as my Children’s care taker, as my conscience and support system. I’m thankful you’re at peace and now eternally watching over me. Your loving Daughter DC
RIP G-Pod! Growing up, I never had a grandfather in my life, until I met Tom’s grandpa, and realized how much I was missing out on! Such a great family man and role model, he defined unconditional love, and I truly appreciated all the experiences I had with him, as if he were my own grandfather. We all can only strive to be half the person he was. Tom and family, I am so sorry for your loss, know that you are in our thoughts and hearts. And Tom, just know how proud of you he is, you accomplished your dreams and I’m positive that his pride of you and the rest of his beautiful family helped ease his suffering. He will definitely be missed but never forgotten. Love you all, Johnny
Judy, I am so sorry for the loss of your Mike. You have been in my prayers and will continue to be so. Kathy
Mike’s life was a gift to everyone who knew him. We fortunate ones will treasure his memory forever. We are in sorrow with hearts breaking. He is at peace. May God bless Mike Duet and his family.
Dear Judy and Family, I am so sorry to hear about Mike's passing. I pray that the sadness that you feel now, will be replaced by the happy memories that you shared. May God bless you and your family.
With a loss so great there are simply no words to ease the pain. A beautiful soul has left this world with beautiful memories forever engraved in our hearts. My love and prayers are with you all…
Rest in peace to an exceptional man with a wonderful sense of humor. He was an absolutely amazing grandfather and great grandfather. He treated everyone kindly, cherished his family, and adored his great-grandkids. Not only was he a remarkable person, but also a remarkable role model. He is deeply missed by everyone’s life he was a part of.
I was lucky enough to have my g-pa in my life for the past 33 years. My favorite memories of my grandpa were the weekends we spent the night at our grandparents. Saturday night we would stop at blockbuster. He would always let us pick out our own candy. If our grandma didnt cook dinner we would stop at Popeyes or Wendys. The next morning we would wake up early and as we were watching cartoons our grandma would ask what we wanted for breakfast and the answer was always a breakfast sandwich made by g-pa and g-pa only. The breakfast sandwich wasnt anything special, just a normal english muffin, sausage, and cheese.. but boy was it always delicious. Even into my teenage years, I would always request on Saturday mornings a breakfast sandwich made by my grandpa. I have never been able to recreate the taste of this simple sandwich, but boy do I wish I could go back in time and have him make it for me one more time. You don't realize and appreciate the simple things until you cant ever get them back. Grandpa- Even though you aren't physically with us, the memory of you will live within my heart and my children. I hope you are resting easy and driving to Burger King to get coffee with Foxy on your lap and Matty in the passenger seat.