Albert Wesley Duncan, at the age of 99, passed away in Taylorsville, Utah on February 19, 2022. Albert was born on May 5, 1922 in Custer, South Dakota, the son of Albert Lee Duncan and Hilda Sofie Ellefsen Duncan. He attended Sanator grade school and Custer high school in South Dakota. Active in sports, he especially excelled in track and field.
Albert was drafted out of high school, at the age of 18, into the United States Marine Corps. Albert served his country overseas during WWII, traveling the world on a ship, experiencing such places in the South Pacific as the Bougainville and Guadalcanal Islands. Later, he served in the United States Army for over six years, being the third person from Utah to enlist in the Korean War, and fighting at the 38th Parallel. Albert’s expertise was also used by the United States Navy as he produced a scale model aircraft for their Aerospace Program.
Although Albert did not believe in fortune tellers, he loved to share his experience with one, who told him he would meet his future wife abroad, then lose her, and then find her again at a bowling alley. Incredibly, this scenario unfolded exactly as foretold. Albert married Erika H. Kupczik, the love of his life, on March 3,1956 in Berlin, Germany. Together they had three children, Pamela, Shannon and Chad.
Albert was an extremely hard worker. He worked as a logger in South Dakota, was an excellent plumber, and a professional welder, working at Kennecott for over 20 years. His passions included rock collecting, gardening and creating beautiful wood tables.
Albert was an original! People loved to listen to his wonderful sense of humor and funny one-liners. He was kind to everyone, but didn’t have a problem helping someone see when they were out of line. Albert had a way of bringing his family together and was an incredible example to his grandchildren. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great grandfather.
Albert is survived by his loving wife, Erika Duncan; son, Chad Duncan (Maria Obdulia Rodriguez Duncan); his grandchildren, Leslie Grayson, Hollie Jones, Zachery Richmond, Bronson Anderson, Brookque DeCroo, Brandon Duncan, Brysen Duncan, Maximillion Duncan, and Leonardo Duncan; many great grandchildren, and lots of friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, and two daughters, Pamela and Shannon.
Albert’s Funeral services will be held Monday, February 28, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East Dimple Dell Road (10600 South), Sandy, Utah, with a viewing prior to services from 9:00 -10:45 a.m. Interment to follow at Larkin Sunset Gardens Cemetery. Following the interment, a luncheon will be held at The Chateau, 1910 East Dimple Dell Road, Sandy, Utah 84092.
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A great warrior and a long time friend. Will miss his association and time spent on the front porch solving the problems of the world.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you today!
I am honored to have known "Mr Duncan". As a young boy, He and "Mrs Duncan" always made me feel welcome when I was in their home. My earliest thoughts were how handsome and beautiful they were. I loved to hear Mrs Duncan talk. Her accent was enchanting. When she would say my name, it came out "Don" and I would continually correct her and state that my name was "Dan", and each time she would respond. "That is what I said sweetie ... 'Don'!!!". I enjoyed being a classmate with Chad and Shannon Duncan (twins) at Plymouth Elementary School, Eisenhower Junior High and Cottonwood High School. I was mesmerized by Chad's energy ... and could not get enough ... I made every effort to join him in every activity he pursued. My favorite time with Chad was in the Junior High School Play, "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown". Chad played the role of Charlie Brown, I played Linus and Gary Saxton played Schroeder. The three of us went on to become very close friends because of this experience. Gary and I called Chad "Tigger" (based on the Winnie-the-Pooh character) because Chad never seemed to walk ... he just bounced, bounced, bounced. My heart is filled with so much love and sorry for my friend who has lost both of his sisters and now his father. I love you Mrs Duncan ... I love you Chad Duncan ... Thank you for making the formative years of my life memorable and so much fun. Chad, how proud your father must be for passing down his legacy to your family and friends. God bless you my friend, God bless you Mrs Duncan ...especially during this time of sorrow. With my deepest sympathies and love, Dan Marshall Woolley
In remembrance of a veteran of World War II and the Korean War who has answered his final roll call.
Rest in peace, Marine and Soldier.
Custer Post #46, American Legion
South Dakota Department