William K. Duffy

William K.  "Bill" Duffy, 53, of Dubuque passed away on Sunday, June 6. 2021 as a result of a heart attack.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. Friday, June 11th, 2021 at St. Joseph Key West Church with Rev. Rodney Allers officiating. Burial will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, June 10th, 2021 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a wake service will be at 2:45 p.m. 

Bill was born September 14, 1967, in Dubuque, the son of Clarence and Barbara Duffy.

He graduated from Wahlert High School in 1986.  He continued on in higher education from Clarke University where he graduated with a BA in education and an endorsement in special education.  In 1991 he began his coaching career.

Bill is survived by his wife, Jennifer (Jen) Duffy and children, Mara (Brendon) Campbell of Mason City, Declan, Breen and Lohman Duffy of Dubuque; his grandchildren Kenli and Niall Campbell, Mason City; his siblings Michael (Linda) Duffy, of East Dubuque, IL, Connie (Roger) Kleiner, Waikiloa, HI, Elizabeth (Ed) Mathis, Las Vegas, NV, Patrick (Peggy) Duffy, Colorado Springs, CO, Christine Duffy, Phoenix, AZ, Judith (Tim) Weydert, Colorado Springs, CO, Kathleen Temperley, Dubuque, Erin Duffy, Phoenix, AZ, Cynthia (David) Podiak, East Dubuque, IL; his father and mother-in-law Jack and Gayle Hancock; brother-in-law John Hancock, all of Dubuque, along with several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a nephew, Matthew Duffy.

The family would like to request you wear Bill's favorite team colors to Thursday's visitation (Green Bay Packers, New York Yankees, Iowa Hawkeye or anything Irish). 

In lieu of flowers, a Bill Duffy Memorial Fund has been established at Dupaco Community Credit Union.

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Husband ~ Father ~ Grandfather ~ Son ~ Brother ~ Son-in-law ~ Coach ~ Friend

 Bill was a loving husband of exactly 29 years to the one person he loved most, Jennifer (Hancock) Duffy. 

 His love for her shined mostly through the “small” things in life that make up the majority of time spent together.  Eating dinner and enjoying an episode of the Sopranos, a casual walk, spending time with their dogs Buddy and Stella, or one of the many sporting events they attended together.  

 Billy D’s final words to Jen were “Happy anniversary.  I love you.”

 As a father of four, Bill kept busy providing them with the best life he could provide. 

Through stern guidance needed when young, to counseling young adult children, Bill stayed involved in their lives wanting more for them than he had for himself. 

Movies at the drive-in; attending sporting events; cookouts and daily interaction in their lives are just a few of the lasting memories.  Bill forged a legacy that his family will be proud to share and a lasting love stronger than time. 

As proud as he was being a father, being a grandfather secured his legacy.

First to Kenli and then to Niall. His excitement to be with them was unmatched and his hopes and dreams for them was larger than life. His love for them will be in their hearts for life ever after, as it remains in his.  

As the youngest of ten, Bill was the shine in his father, Clarence, and mother, Barb’s Irish eyes. Providing them and his siblings with non-stop action in his daily activities and sporting events.  His Irish temper would flair up in almost all that he did, but that passion made him who he was…a proud Duffy.

Bill’s mother and father-in-law, Gayle and Jack Hancock, played a significant role in his life.  Their caring, kindness and unwavering support, and love guided Bill throughout much of his life making him a better husband, father and grandfather. 

Bill was involved with sports at an early age participating in boxing, baseball, basketball track and football. 

After high school, Bill became an extremely talented rugby player.  First in Dubuque with the Dubuque Dogs and then in the Quad Cities with the Quad City Irish.  He excelled in the game of sevens and built a long lasting friendship with his dog and Irish teammates.

His love for sports continued after his rugby playing days. He jumped into teaching, most recently at Maquoketa High School; coaching, mainly football and track at the high school and college level; and refereeing baseball, softball and basketball.

He cared for his students and athletes like he did his children. He expected them to work hard and give their all; as he did for them. 

As a friend, Bill was willing to help when needed and cared deeply about his lifelong friends and their families.  Always interested in how things were going and supporting all in the endeavors of choice.

He shared many of life’s journey with his friends, including his last one on June 5. He will be greatly missed at all events, but not forgotten.  His love for his friends was only matched by their love for him. 

Rest in peace Bill Duffy.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.