Gary Ray Doucette

It is with great sadness that the family of Gary (Duke) Doucette announces his passing on July 11, 2025, in Madison, Wisconsin. Gary Ray Doucette was born on August 17, 1943, in Antigo, Wisconsin, the youngest of 6 children, born to Ray and Irene Doucette.

Duke graduated from Antigo High School in 1961, later attending and graduating from The University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh in 1965. Upon completion of college, Duke was drafted into the US Army, where he served two years in Brooklyn, New York. Duke married his best friend, (and co-conspirator in mischief) Pat Meharg, on October 5, 1968, and they made their home in Madison. Their children thank them for moving to a big city. Duke worked for the State of Wisconsin and retired from his position of Disability Examiner and Supervisor in July of 2000.

Duke is survived by his wife of 56 years, Pat, and his two daughters, Jenny (Todd) Allen and Jo McGrath. He is further survived by his grandchildren Max, Paige and Gus Allen and Gray and Cal McGrath. He will be sorely missed by his sisters-in-law Ginny Meharg, Phyllis (Harvey) Nelson, Kathleen Parsons, Sue Meharg, Joyce Ullman and his brother-in-law, Kieran Purcell. Gary was a favorite uncle to Mike, Kerry, Juanita and Mark (Julia) Doucette; Fred Lindsey, Linda Self, Pam (Ken) Cox, David (Nancy) Lindsey, and Bob Lindsey; Annette Doucette; Allen (Khala Sullivan) Doucette, Janine (Jim) Nonnenmacher, Jay (Teri) Doucette, Elayne (Tim) Fischer, and Jill (Gary) Hohensee; Rita (Gary) Pensel and Lisa (Bill) Rhan. Duke was also a favorite uncle to Jim (Kathie) Babcock, Mary Feltz, Susan (Rick) Joerns, Bill Meharg, Christine (Joe) Mosher; Russell Parsons; Craig (Stacey) Nelson and Kara (Todd) Schwartz; Bill (Jayne) Bonnell; and Gordon Purcell and Amanda (John) Lauer.

Duke was preceded in death by parents Ray and Irene, and siblings Donald, Marie, Eugene, James and Clyde, along with his in-laws, Bill and Margaret Meharg, Michael Meharg, Mary Purcell, and Glen Parsons. Additionally, he will be welcomed by nieces and nephews, Bruce, Pat, Denise and Kevin Doucette; Hollis and Dan Doucette; Debra McCauley, Jeff Parsons, Todd Nelson, Terri Bonnell and Rodney Purcell.

Duke had a life beautifully lived, full of chocolate covered cherries, summer gardens and bunnies, birds, overbuying food so no one would starve, handwritten cards and notes, laughter, Mr. Noodle, monkey puppets, garage fridge, limes, country music on the record player, bubble gum ice cream, bonfires at “The House”, sunsets at the ocean, doodles and scribbles, Summit Lake, schmier, L-I-T-E, silly stories, zoos and parks, tire pressure and oil checks, ”Dr. Duke” with his stethoscopes and blood pressure kits, bb guns and balloons, badminton and wiffle ball, following around grandchildren, hiding Easter eggs, slipping twenty dollar bills, batteries and flashlights, Lake Beltlini, changing furnace filters, circus peanuts, walks and bike rides, pushing swings, swimming in the lake, jorts, textbooks, pens with eraser tops, hankies, a pocket knife, Friday night fish fry, seashells, brown paper bags, waving goodbye from the driveway and being told that Pat would marry him all over again.

One of the greatest gifts given to Duke was the opportunity to watch all five of his grandchildren become adults. We are grateful for all the time we were given. All who knew Duke felt very fortunate to have him in their lives. He left each of us with stories, laughter, and a lasting example of what it means to live a generous, kind, patient, joyful, and loving life. We carry that with us always.

A special thank you to Dr. David Lewis, Duke’s cardiologist, for the gift of time. We are forever grateful.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 401 S. Owen Dr., Madison, from 9 to 11 a.m. The funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m., followed by a celebration of life at the Seminole Tap, 5956 Executive Drive, Fitchburg. In honor of Gary’s laid back nature, please dress casually.

Please share your memories of Duke by posting in his guestbook.

Cress Center

6021 University Ave. Madison

(608) 238-8406