David Hudson of Helena passed away on June 10, 2022 at his Touchmark residence. He is survived by his beloved wife Lois, his three children Michael Hudson (Daniele), Lisa Bazant (Rob), and Jacqueline Hudson (Chris Isidro), five grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
Known to all as “Duke”, Dave was born to David and Evelyn Hudson on October 17, 1936 in Lincoln, Nebraska. Followed soon after by the arrival of his only sister, Janet Bidwell- still living.
Duke graduated in 1955 from St. Patrick’s high school in North Platte and went on to get a degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Nebraska. He married Lois Jean Wakefield, the love of his life, in 1959 and they shared 62 wonderful years together.
Duke finished his career in engineering in the Pacific Northwest and moved back to his beloved Helena in 2005. He was always an active member in whatever community he was living in and donated much of his time and support to civic projects, as well as being a lifelong member of the Elks and Kiwanis.
Duke carried a fervent love of his Nebraska Cornhusker football with him throughout his life: Supporting and donating time, effort and his season tickets to the Alumni chapter in Seattle with Lois by his side. Anyone who met Duke would be able to attest to his love of “Big Red” football from Husker jackets, signs, posters, the red flagpole with the Nebraska helmet in his yard, as well as the Husker fight song as his ringtone! He and Lois loved to travel back to Lincoln for a game or two each season visiting with family and friends while there.
Anyone who met Duke would also attest to his love for Lois, she was truly the splashy umbrella to his mixed drink! The two were the perfect pair.
Duke was a man with immense integrity who kept his word, made friends with all he knew, and loved his wife, family and faith deeply.
A Funeral Mass is set for 12:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 23, 2022 at the Cathedral of St. Helena, 530 N Ewing St., with a reception to follow the Mass in the Brondel Center of the Cathedral. Burial will be held at Resurrection Cemetery.
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Tuesday August 23, 2022
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N Ewing
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Mass
Tuesday August 23, 2022
Brondel Center of the Cathedral
530 N Ewing
Helena, Montana 59601
Rite of Committal
Following the reception
Tuesday August 23, 2022
Resurrection Cemetery
3685 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Tuesday August 23, 2022
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N Ewing
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Mass
Tuesday August 23, 2022
Brondel Center of the Cathedral
530 N Ewing
Helena, Montana 59601
Rite of Committal
Following the reception
Tuesday August 23, 2022
Resurrection Cemetery
3685 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Share
Russell Noonan says
My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Ginny Eagar says
My sympathy and prayers are with Lois who was a church friend of mine. I don’t know how well she remembers me, but I want her family to know that Lois and Duke are being thought of.
Dorothy McCarter says
Dear Lois, Mike and I are so very sorry to learn of Duke’s passing. Pleased accept our very deepest sympathies.
Mike and Dorothy
Don Kessler says
Very sorry for your loss, my condolences
Carl Peil says
Prayers and condolences from Carl. Also on behalf of Helena Elks Lodge, Duke’s service to the lodge is recognized.
Kori Dee says
Lois,
I’m sending you a big hug. So glad you have beautiful family and lifelong friends to support you. Prayers lifting you up
Being sent your way.
Martha Locke says
My sympathy to the family.
Don and I enjoyed Duke’s friendship during our time at the Helena Elks Lodge.
Cathy Kovich says
I sure was saddened to hear about Duke’s passing. Lois volunteered at the hospital and I enjoyed thoroughly getting to know her and enjoy her cooking (sausage ring one of many). I got to meet Duke and the rest of the family at two fabulous Christmas gatherings at their home. My thoughts and prayers are with the family!
Donald R Luke says
I have many grand memories of Duke. Growing up I spent most of my High School days at the house. As we got older we would all hangout in Missoula for a Griz game. Duke would give my young son quarters to play video games at the press box while the Hudson family my family and the Weatherly’s ate pizza and drank adult beverages. Duke was a great man and very wise. He taught me a lot.
Catherine Robinson says
Lois, Mike , Dani and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you today, as you wish dear Duke farewell. God bless you all and heal your hearts. Love, Aunt Cathy
tom erdie says
I came to now Duke and Lois through the Elks Lodge. They both added much to the organization. Duke and I had things to share and talk about when he was Exalted Ruler and I was events coordinator. I will always remember when he had something to visit with me about and started the conversation with either “Listen pal. . . ” or “Lisgten buddy . . . ! One always knew if they were in trouble, depending on whether it was “pal” or “buddy.”
Deb Morell says
Just heard of Duke’s passing. He was such a bright light when we were both involved with the Washington Huskers – I always looked forward to our catch-up lunches even after he and Lois moved back to Helena. He always called me “money lady” or “Debbers” and my family has adopted that nickname. He was a special man and I will miss him.
Ginny Morgan Cottrill says
Mike. I’m so sorry for your loss. I hope all of your wonderful memories will comfort you at this time. Keeping you and your family in my prayers.
Mike Bartlett says
Lois; so sorry to hear of Duke’s passing. I always enjoyed our times together, working on Big12 outings, crashing the Husker watch parties at Lucky7, and meeting with the other presidents of local clubs. It’s funny, but I remember the time we visited you in Helena and I wound up helping him with a blade issue on the lawnmower. And I always loved the pix he shared after blowing the snow off the driveway! Janet and I send our prayers for you, the family, and all of Duke’s friends who will miss him dearly.
Jane Huff says
Lois, I remember how welcoming you and Duke were when I joined the Elks and not very familiar with how things worked. You have a large family who will help support you as you adjust to your life but I know you’ll always miss him.