ANITA MARTHA DUSKE
January 18, 1938 – December 16, 2018
Anita Martha Duske, age 80 of Waverly, Minnesota, passed away Sunday, December 16, 2018.
Born to Arnold and Alyce (Horgen) Rokke on January 18, 1938 in Warren, MN, Anita grew up on the family farm in West Valley Township. She was baptized on March 13, 1938 at Bethania Free Lutheran Church, and confirmed on June 1, 1953 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Newfolden, MN. Anita graduated with honors from Newfolden High School in 1955, and became a Registered Nurse through the Fairview Hospital Nursing Program in 1959.
On May 5, 1962, Anita was joined in holy marriage to Adrian Bennett Charles Duske at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. God blessed their marriage with four children: Marjorie, Michelle, Melanie and Adrian, Jr. (Ben).
Anita was a force of nature and called herself a “stubborn Norwegian.” She was generous and kind, strong, brave and hardworking — with a sparky wit to match her auburn red hair. When Anita and Adrian moved their young family to Adrian’s hometown of Waverly in 1967, they embraced their community. Throughout her more than 50 years in Waverly, Anita found many ways to serve and grow strong bonds through church, school activities, civic and other organizations, including the Waverly Boosters, Gun and Snowmobile Clubs, the United Way Campaign, Blood Drives, and Senior Citizen health services.
Anita was a working mother — retiring from Buffalo Hospital in 2011 after 52 years of nursing, including decades of service in surgery and recovery at Fairview, Watertown, Winsted and Buffalo Hospitals. She also served as school nurse for Howard Lake-Waverly Schools for 13 years.
As Mom and Mimi, Anita was central to the lives of her children and grandchildren. She was always present for them in their joys and challenges. She loved attending their church and school activities and sporting events, including concerts and ball games.
A life-long crafter, Anita loved to sew, knit and try new crafts, as well as bake and make candy — especially pecan pies at Thanksgiving and caramels and fudge for Christmas gifts. Later in life, bingo gave Anita such pleasure, and she made many new friends while madly swiping her dauber.
Anita, Adrian and their children also had many beloved pets over the years, including Rex, their first dog together, for whom they moved because their landlady wouldn’t allow pets.
Few people know that Anita considered music for her life’s work. Though in the end, her passion was nursing. In high school, she played brass instruments, especially the euphonium. Anita’s contralto voice was a beautiful gift, and “Danny Boy” was a signature song. Anita and Adrian shared a love of singing, and entertained their children and grandchildren on car trips with many hymns and songs, including “Jesus Loves Me,” “Amazing Grace,” “Rock of Ages,” “Down By the Old Mill Stream,” “I Love You, a Bushel and a Peck,” and “You are My Sunshine.”
Anita was preceded in death by her husband, Adrian; her parents; her sister, Marjory Jean; and her husband’s parents, Otto and Alta Duske.
Anita is survived by her children: Marjorie Duske of Alexandria, VA, Michelle (Pat) Heuer of Waverly, Melanie Duske of Howard Lake, MN, and Adrian (Rachel) Duske, Jr. of Waverly; grandchildren: Meghan (Peter Goldstein) Williams, Jessica (Kris Marut) Heuer, Nathaniel Heuer, and Jakob, Leo, and Eva Duske; sisters: Marilyn (Dennis) Gray of Newfolden; and Naomi (Dennis) Winkelmann of Fosston, MN; brother: John (Denise) Rokke of Gregory, MI; sister-in-law: Martha (David) Smith of Rockledge, FL; and many other dear relatives and friends.
Visitation will be held Friday, December 21, 2018 from 4:00-7:30 PM with prayer service at 6:30 PM at The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo, MN.
The Funeral Service will be held Saturday, December 22, 2018 at 11:00 AM with visitation at 9:30 AM at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Howard Lake.
Memorials may be directed to the Pipe Organ Fund, St. John’s Lutheran Church, Howard Lake, MN. Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
I worked with Anita for many years at the Buffalo Hospital Surgery Department. We also did craft shows for several years with Deb Gens. She was a great lady who always put her family over all else. She was a hardworking nurse, mom and wife. She will be missed by those who called her family. Rest In Peace Anita
Our sympathy goes out to Anita’s family, particularly Marilyn & Dennis Gray.
Rest in peace, Anita
Love,
Lloyd and Elaine
We enjoyed the visits with Adrian and Anita when they traveled up north. There was always a lot of hunting stories to be shared and Anita was always busy with games, crafts, and family. I remember her as one smart lady who I’m sure was a great asset in the medical field.
My sympathies to her children, grandchildren, sisters, and brother. She will be greatly missed by all. May God bless you with all the good memories you’ve created over the years.
Sending sympathies to Anitas family. Anita and her deceaed husband Adrian had been family friends of mine for years. Very nice people and helpfull. Aita will be missed by many. May she rest in peace.
Anita will always remember our talks at buffalo. You gave a lot of good advice to a girl who never worked in surgery and somehow became manager. I always looked to you forsupport and you always gave it. I learned a lot from you and became a better nurse and person from our friendship. Travel well my friend.
My Sympathy goes to Anita’s family. She was school nurse when I attended HLW high school. Such a wonderful person. (she never forgot my name, even after high school)
Anita will be missed by many.
May God continue to Bless Anita’s family, today and always.
God Bless.
What a great lady. I worked with Anita at St. Mary’s Hospital in Winsted. Anita always had a smile. Eternal rest grant unto her.
Helen J. Guggemos
Deepest sympathies to Anita’s family. An amazing woman, an amazing nurse.
GretchenFrederick,RN,CNO BuffaloHospital