On Aug. 18, Perry passed away at Whidbey General Hospital of natural causes. He was 91.
Perry was born April 19, 1922, to Harry and Della Dushek at the farm home in Viola, Minn. He was fourth of seven children. When World War II started, he was put on a farm deferment and could not enlist in the service. After most of his running mates had left for the service, he told the draft board he no longer worked on the farm and was soon inducted. He selected the U.S. Navy, and was sent to the Great Lakes Naval Station for recruit training, followed by continued training to Fort Pierce, Fla.
Duke’s Navy career spanned 20 years, including serving in World War II and the Korean War as a gunner’s mate. Following the Korean War, his assignments included Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Virginia and in 1959 Whidbey Naval Air Station in the new EOD unit as an underwater demolitions expert. Achieving the rank of chief, he retired out of Concord, Calif., and returned to Oak Harbor to make it his permanent home.
In 1964, he bought the 76 Union Station with Oscar Carter. In 1968, he sold his half to his partner and started Dushek Appliance Repair, which he operated until 1985 when he changed careers. He then became secretary for the Elk’s Lodge for the next 10 years. Not content to retire, he began working at Walmart in 1999. In February 2007, at the age of 86, he decided to retire for good.
Duke was a charter and life member of the Oak Harbor Elk’s Lodge 2362, serving in all positions to include two terms as Exalted Ruler and District Deputy for the state. He was also a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Whitehead-Muzzall Post 3037, Fleet Reserve Branch 97 and American Legion George Morris Post 129. He was an avid bowler and fisherman. In 2000, he fulfilled a lifelong desire to become a beekeeper and supplied his family and friends with jars of his “Old Duke’s Honey.”
In his final years, he kept busy with his gardening.
Duke is survived by his wife of 60-plus years, June, sons Lawrence of Sheridan, Wyo., James of Oak Harbor, daughters Joan (Bruce) Rohm of Oak Harbor, Judy (James) Paradiso of Kent, Wash., and granddaughter Bethany (Robert) Wright of Oak Harbor. He is also survived by his brother Paul Dushek of Backus, Minn. He is preceded in death by his parents, four sisters and one brother.
Memorial contributions may be made to UW Medicine Advancement, ATTN; Gift Processing, Box 358045, Seattle WA 98195-8045. Checks should be made payable to UW Foundation. Please indicate in memory of Perry Dushek and choose either scholarships (code: UWMEDS) or research (code MDNOVT) at UW Medicine. Contributions can also be made to the Tall Elks Organization.
Memorial services for Duke Dushek will be held at a later date. Friends and family are encouraged to share condolences and memories utilizing the Memory Book hosted by Wallin Funeral Home at www.wallinfuneralhome.com
