Mike Duvall, 83, of River Falls, formerly of LeRoy, Illinois, died at 11:43 PM on Tuesday, November 2, 2021, at home, with his family at his side. Mike was born January 5, 1938, in Clinton, Illinois, a son of George (Jack) and Nora (Conroy) Duvall. He was the sixth of eight children. He graduated from Clinton Community High School and attended Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois and Parkland College, Champaign, Illinois. He was married to Jane Edwards in 1958. They were later divorced. He married Paula M. Parrish in Champaign, Illinois, on September 25, 1971. They recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Mike is survived by sons, Mike Duvall of Dunedin, Florida, and Don Duvall of LaVergne, Tennessee; daughter, Erin (Mike) Culver of River Falls, Wisconsin; 10 grandchildren, Sarah (Jae) Sharearm, Robert Shay, and Ronnie Duvall of LaVergne, Tennessee, Jason (Joyel) North, of Wapella, Illinois, Michael Duvall of Oldsmar, Florida, and Molly Duvall of Orlando, Florida and Brody, Riley, Casey and Kerrigan Culver, of River Falls, Wisconsin; 11 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-granddaughters; and his sister, Theresa Allen, of Clinton, Illinois; along with many nieces and nephews. Mike is preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, George, Joe, and Pat Duvall; and three sisters, Mary Morrow Becker, Peggy Hassinger, and Katie Duvall; and daughter-in-law, Suzan Duvall. Mike was a 40-year IHSA football and basketball official and an avid runner. Mike was a former member of the LeRoy Zoning Board and a 20-year volunteer dispatcher for the LeRoy, Illinois police, ambulance and fire departments and was a member of the LeRoy Promotion Association. Mike was an avid Cubs, Bears, and Illini fan. He also supported and assisted with the LeRoy football and basketball programs. Retiring from the LeRoy School District, he had the fondest memories of the special connections with students and co-workers both within the school and driving bus. Mike also worked as a director’s assistant for Calvert Belangee & Bruce Funeral Homes in LeRoy. He retired in 2012 when he and Paula relocated to River Falls. He had been employed by the River Falls McDonalds and Culvers restaurants as a restaurant host, where he made many great friends. Mike loved spending time with his family and friends. He enjoyed traveling, a good laugh, a good meal, a cup of coffee with friends, music and movies. Mike was a loyal and loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He will be missed by all that knew and loved him. A Celebration of Mike’s Life was held on Saturday, December 11, 2021 at 2:00PM at Calvert Belangee & Bruce Funeral Homes in LeRoy, IL with a visitation one hour prior to the service. Memorials may be directed to the family to be used for the education of Mike’s grandchildren. Cremation arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.
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18 Comments
What a rich life. I loved learning more about Mike through reading this. I’m proud to have known him.
Thanks, Dawn. He felt fortunate to have known you and your amazing family.
My heart sends love and hugs to you Paula. I know so well how devastating this experience is. I missed visiting with you after you moved but my love for you two never faltered. We learn how precious life is through the years. Love and hugs
Thank you, Carol. Yes, I’m sure that this stirs up many emotions for you. You were a favorite lifetime friend of Mike’s,. He often reminisced of the wonderful times he’d had with the Rickgauer family. Love to you, as well.
You and Mike were my only social life (and adoptive family) during my brief stay in River Falls, Paula. I’ll always remember our bingo nights (and Mike getting mad that he didn’t win!), our impromptu living room visits, the shared meals, the stories we all told, and Mike shoveling the snow for this city girl from California when she had no idea what to do! I am glad the two of you were able to celebrate your 50th anniversary recently, and I send you my love in this difficult time. Warm wishes, Katie and family
Thank you, Katie. It was a joy having you next door during your River Falls stay. We felt we had adopted you, as well! Fond memories! ❤️
I was just thinking about you all this past Saturday. I’m not sure why. My dad and I were saddened by this news. We have spent the evening reminiscing and thinking about some of the memories with such n amazing family. I still remember driving back to Ohio with you guys in the back of a VW Bug lol. Many, many years ago. The memories brought back a lot smiles. Our hearts our with you.
Michael… I’m sure you’ve been told that you were named after Mike, which he felt so honored. Yes, we’ve talked many times about the great times we all spent together. Your mother was also instrumental in getting us all together. What wonderful times and memories.
Dear Paula,
I am so sorry for your loss, all of us are better for having known Mike. He and Rich shared a strong bond – they were kindred spirits. Know that I send my love and remember our visits fondly.
Thank you, Judy. Mike often reminisced about the special memories he had of his days spent with Rich and our times with the two of you. We’ve lost two amazing men within the last few months. I’d bet they are up to shenanigans and pole vaulting together now. 😊
Paula , iI am deeply saddened by your loss. I always enjoyed Mike’s smile and witty humor . You are in my prayers and thoughts . ❤️ Maggie
Thank you, Maggie. He really enjoyed getting to know you, also. He loved your laugh and adventurous personality, and admired your strong work ethic. You have been such a good friend to us both.
So sorry about your loss of Mike. A classmate and neighbor growing up. A REALLY GOOD GUY 😍
Thank you, Mary Ann. Mike always spoke so highly of you and Rex. He loved seeing you, as I did, too, at your class reunions. I’d have to agree that he was a great guy.
Another classmate from the other side of the tracks in northeast Clinton, sorry for your lose. What an amazing life.
Another die hard Cub fan.
Jack
Thank you, Jack. Mike had the fondest memories of growing up in your neighborhood. He loved the days of “can baseball”, fishing in the creek and playing in Woodlawn cemetery. Memories!
I probably met Mike when I was 11, near junior high age, and also when Paula & I were beginning a special friendship. Years later after Paula & I were roommates Mike was back in her life and they were married. What a remarkable pair having a 50 year partnership! He will be so missed by his amazing family. Mike, Don & Erin know that they had one of the “good guys” for their Dad. My love to you all, take care of each other. I am in tears sharing your loss.
Thank you, Glenda. Yes, you know first-hand what a special guy Mike was. When I first met him, as our milkman, I knew he had such great qualities. Who knew, years later, we would be married. I won the lottery, as his three children did. I appreciate your special message. Love you!
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