Service Details
Funeral services will be held on Sunday, January 31, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at the Draeger-Langendorf funeral home. Full military honors will follow. Interment will be held privately at Southern Wisconsin Memorial Veterans Cemetery. A visitation will be held on Sunday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Please click this link to view the service live https://youtu.be/VV2fwS2mpyc This link will still be active after to view at any time.
On Monday, January 18th, Steven R. “Duck” Mudrak, loving husband, proud father, and adoring grandpa, passed away at the age of 66.
Steve was born on May 10, 1954 in Menominee, MI to Patricia (VandenBranden) and Ronald Mudrak. He graduated from Washington Park High School in 1973. Steve met his future wife Diane when they were in 7th grade at Mitchell School. Though distance separated them during Steve’s Army tours, they remained friends. When he moved back to Racine, they dated, and were married on March 3rd, 1984, and together they raised two children, Jay and Janet.
Steve earned the nickname Duck as a kid when, as a talented track runner, he ran with his toes pointed out – like a duck. The nickname stuck! As a result, he had a vast collection of 185 ducks, although he got a different number every time he counted.
Steve spent many years officiating basketball and football games with Racine Lakeshore Officials and RYS. He enjoyed the years he spent working at Lee’s Hardware and delighted in chatting with the many customers he met before retiring to care for his grandchildren.
Steve proudly served in the US Army for 31 years, 4 months, and 12 days. Whenever he ran into one of his Army buddies, it turned into gut-hurting laughter as they exchanged stories, including how he became known as “Sparky”, the time he ran over his buddy’s brand new station wagon with a tank, and the many nights his friends spent on Duck Watch after consuming a few too many Bloody Marys.
What Steve was most proud of was his family. He was a family man to his core. When Steve spoke of them, he had a twinkle in his eye. He loved going out to dinner or doing home improvements with his wife. He bragged about his children and their successes. He was so proud that Jay followed in his footsteps and joined the Army. He boasted that Janet was a “school teacher” and loved visiting school to set up her classroom and go to basketball and football games. They relied on him for advice, laughter, and love; they knew they could call on Dad for anything they needed. His grandchildren have his heart. He was at every sporting event and concert. He’d willingly play any game they asked or do the same puzzle a hundred times. He was Lucy’s hero, Sam’s biggest fan, Jameson’s meatball, and Luca’s Buddy. Steve sang the loudest Happy Birthday in the room and snored the loudest at every holiday gathering. Even when admitted to the hospital, he was proudly sharing pictures of his family with the nurses. At the end, “he could hardly breathe, but with every breath he asked for his family.”
Steve brought light to everyone he met. He would walk into a room knowing no one and leave with a new group of friends. He enjoyed camping trips, game nights with friends, bringing kringle to anyone and everyone, and making people happy. Maybe you were one of the lucky ones he referred to as “one of the bell brothers – Ding and Dong”.
Rest easy now, Duck Watch has ended.
Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Pat and Ron, and his brother John. Left to cherish his memory are his wife Diane; his children Jay “Little Duck” (Amanda) Mudrak and Janet “ Shortround” (Matt) Carpino, and his four grandchildren, Lucy, Sam, Jameson, and Luca. He is further survived by his sister-in-law Denise Krueger, brother-in-law Larry Haas, nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
Marv Campbell says
I will miss the good times, the laughter, and I will miss “Duck watch”. Steve was a great man and it was a pleasure to have served with him. He made me a better soldier and a better person In general. Even now I can hear the laughter that always accompanied him when we got together. I will never forget the help that you provided to my family when we deployed overseas. It meant a lot to me. You were always willing to give and to help at any cost. I will never forget you and am honored to be able to call you my friend.
Until we meet again
Rest easy!
James Loterbaugh says
I will always remember him. He was a great guy and we had great times, though not as many as one would like. He will be missed and I send my condolences to his wife and family.
Henry, Mary and Family Tambornino says
Henry and along with our family will miss Steve greatly. We had some fun camping times. The man could make us laugh. He was witty and smart. We looked forward to all the Christmas parties and all the summer parties at National Guards armory. Diane and Steve welcomed us into their family. We enjoyed their company for many years. We want to thank Steve , Diane and his family for sharing good times together.
Steve we love you and will forever be grateful for you being part of our life. “Rest in Peace Duck”
Peggy Naseman says
Once again, another leaves us to early. We are left behind to place those missing pieces into the puzzle of life. You go leaving us asking, why him? I truly believe the Lord has a job for you to do, he knew you made everything better here, so there must be issues up there. You are a born leader and leave having blessed some many of us here on earth. We will cherish all the great memories and remember all the extra special things you did for our family. May you walk peacefully up there, knowing you are with my man, makes this easier! Say hi to all, until we meet again.
Becky & Ricky Jones says
We are so very sorry, Diane, Jay, Janet, and grandkids. The thing we will remember most about Steve was that he was a genuinely good person. You guys were the best neighbors. Wishing you peace and comfort.
Matt Dtew says
He will be missed. Way to many years since I have been around. Please forgive me. Thoughts and prayers.
Susan Kristopeit Martin says
To Diane and family: I have never read an obituary that moved me more, brought me to tears, or touched my heart with a greater impact. I felt like I knew him through your loving narrative. It sounds ike he touched the lives of so many people. There is a line in a movie where a mother tells a daughter to “take her alo no in memory and that’s how people go on forever. Someone takes them along”. I know you will take Steve along in yourmemories and on adventures. May our loving father hold you close in arms that are never too weary, and always strong.
Jen Froh says
There was nothing quite like a hug from Duck. What a great man. I am so so sorry, Diane, Jay & Janet. Truly. My prayers are with you all as we navigate the future.
Carol Schowalter says
So sorry for your loss. Steve was my neighbor for many years. Such a big giving heart and sense of humor.
Virginia Chaussee Blazek says
I wish to extend my deepest condolences to all the family. I went to school with Steve and though did not know him well I am sorry to hear of another classmate passing. Diane, it’s been many years now since high school and our paths went in different directions but wanted to offer you my sympathy. May you find comfort in knowing I will keep you in thought and prayer in days ahead. I hope you find comfort in knowing you have lots of happy memories to cherish.
Ami Soni says
I will always remember him! He was a great guy! He always had a great big smile in the morning when he would come to school with Jameson and Luca. I enjoyed our morning chats and Kringles. He will be missed and I send my condolences to the family.
Michael and Debra Kinnard says
We are so very sorry for your loss. Remembering all the times Megan spent time at your house when she and Janet were in school together– seems like yesterday. Steve was always cheerful and laughing, just a joy to be around. The past several years we always seemed to run into your family enjoying beautiful time together at a local restaurant. What a wonderful sight! Sending our love and sympathy to all of you.
Meghana Agrawal(Mrs. A) says
We are so very sorry for your loss. I will always remember him! He was a great guy! He always had a great big smile in the morning when he would come to school with Jameson and Luca. I enjoyed our morning chats and Kringles. He will be missed. Sending our love and prayers to all of you!
Cindy & STEVE Norovich says
We came to know STEVE through PTA and volunteer work at both of our daughters school. He was always available for the kids…..a sweetheart for sure! We know he’ll be deeply missed by many, but leaves a loving legacy in his children and grandchildren. Thank you Steve.
Rick O says
Steve O was the most fun person to be around. When we worked, we worked hard and when we played, we threw bouncy balls at each other at Lee’s Hardware. I miss Sunday morning breakfast at Derango’s with Steve O! Love you buddy!
Arlie and Cindy says
Steve was a great friend and neighbor for many years. He had a heart of gold. He will be missed by many but never forgotten. RIP old buddy love ya. ❤️
Coach Chuck Ellis says
So sorry for your loss. We go back to Park h.s. Steve played on the football team at Park. Great person and excellent student. He also officiated some of our games. He will be missed. Rest in peace. Go Park
sandra r. kozich and luke kozich says
Steve was a pleasure to know. Luke enjoyed the dogs in the backyard chat. Such a nice gentleman and neighbor. Sadly missed. Our prayers our with you daily.
Paul Flones says
Sorry for your loss
Jeff and Debbie Wazelle says
Diane, Jay, and Janet. We are so sorry for your loss. To me, Steve was much more than a coworker, he was a true friend. From the day I first met him 35+ years ago, I knew him to be helpful, honest, and caring. I came to rely on his knowledge and assistance so many times over the years, whether it was on the full time, or part time side of our job. He never failed to do his best, never failed to bring a smile into the room, and always made my day a little brighter. He touched so many lives in so many ways. I was so fortunate to be able to call him my friend and I will miss him forever, but I can’t help but smile every time I think of him. Bless you and your family.
Rick Wiegel says
To Diane, Jay, and Janet. May fond memories fill your heart and ease the pain.
CSM (Ret) Jim Yenchesky says
Remember working with Steve, he always had a smile. Was a great soldier to serve with. He will be missed. My prayers go out to his family.
Mike Strunk says
I have a Duck and so very lucky……..AKA Steve Mudrak.
From our days at OMS#6 to his passing ……He has been a Gift , you know it when it happens……he was the “REAL DEAL”, One of a kind.
He always made us smile and sometimes questioned how He did it, when we didn’t really feel like smiling.
He has always had a Special place in my heart and always will!
JR Vazquez says
My Condolences to you and your family Jay Mudrak.
SGN (Ret) Charles Kirchner says
SGM (Ret) Charles Kirchner
Steve was my admin SGT when I started in the AGR program and B 1-126 FA. We spent a lot of years together in the service. I have great memories from Bravo Battery and times with Steve.
Diane, Jay, and Janet, I am so sorry for your loss. Connie and I will always keep you all in our prayers.
God bless Duck and all of you, the world will be a sadder place with the loss of Steve.
Jean kilby says
God has a new soldier in heaven. You will be missed..
No more blue meanness.
meanness. Kilby says
God has a new soldier in heaven. You will be missed. No more blue meannies.
Luis & ale says
So sorry for your loss
Maria Garcia and Family says
🦆 🌺 🦆
“Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day, unseen, unheard but always near “
Today and always, may loving memories bring you peace, comfort, and strength.
God Bless you’ll 🙏
Shane Mooney USAF says
I was shocked to hear of Steve’s passing. It seems like yesterday we were on a bivouac or search mission or just having fun in Civil Air Patrol, where Steve and man y other friends
gathered on a regular basis. I ran into Steve just a few years ago and we had a great time catching up and laughing to tears and sharing a few war stories. I was disappointed I could
not make the funeral as I didn ‘t bust through the snow until after 3, but enjoyed the video!
Best wishes to Steve’s family and may he rest in peace with Jesus. (and maybe share a few stories as well…)
Ed Garza says
My condolence to the Mudrak family, I remember Duck when I worked at Fine Arts as an engineer he always came down the hallway always smiling we would talk for a while as years went on I would see him at the hardware store, I also would see him by his daughter’s house on the corner of Mitchell Street and we talked, it was always good to see him he was always happy especially when he came to my retirement party in 2019 rest in peace my friend🙏