Obituary of Bradley Wayne Duke
Bradley Wayne Duke (64) resident of St. Maries, ID passed away at Kootenai Health on December 20, 2024, with family at his side. He was born to Kenneth and Rose Duke on October 3, 1960, in Eugene, OR. Brad spent his younger years in Oregon before the Duke family moved to St. Maries, ID in 1976. Brad attended school in St. Maries but left early to go to work at Tenth Street Lumber. He also spent time working for Bob Taylor.
Brad married and had 3 children Debra, Erica, and Christopher; the marriage ended in divorce. A date at a Halloween dance blessed him with the love of his life Nita Mellen. They attended the dance, and lived as close as you can get to happily ever after. Brad married Nita in 1996 becoming a stepfather to Dusty, and the family made their home in St. Maries. Brad worked for Pugh Brother’s for many years running their rock crusher. He then drove a dump truck for Borgmann Logging; however, an injury on that job forced him into early retirement.
Brad was a pretty straight forward and blunt guy; however, he had a huge heart and was a big teddy bear. He possessed a sense of humor like no other, and he was well loved by everyone, especially Nita, she loved him with all of her heart. Family was important to him, and he enjoyed spending time with them. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, and mushrooming. By far his most favorite thing to do was to vacation at the Oregon Coast. He loved combing the beaches and going out deep sea fishing, even if it made him sick. So many memories were made on the coast, it was his heaven on earth, and he loved sharing his adventures with the people he loved.
Brad is survived by his loving wife Nita at their home in St. Maries; children Debra, Erica, Christopher, and Dusty (Shanna); granddaughter Alexis; siblings Rick (Renee) Duke, Kenny Duke, and Tim (Karina) Duke all of St. Maries, ID, Greg Duke of Sun River, MT, and DeAnna (Russ) Spray of Fernwood, ID; numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents.
