Milton "Buzz" Duff

Milton E. “Buzz” Duff, 91, passed away peacefully in Knoxville, IA on Dec 15, 2023, after a short illness.

Buzz was born July 28, 1932, in Bagley, WI to Archie and Lorna Duff.  He served his country as a track vehicle mechanic and automatic weapons crewman with the 50^th Antiaircraft Artillery Battalion during his Army tour of duty in Korea from 1953-1955, earning a National Defense Service medal and Korean Service ribbon. Following his service, he was employed at the Savanna Ordinance Depot as an explosive’s operator. He continued his employment with the government as a lock and dam operator with U.S. Corp of Engineers division UMR Locks #11 and #12 for nearly 40 years.  He received numerous commendations during his many years with the Corp. Buzz was a proud veteran and a lifelong American Legion member with Bellevue Reveille Post 273.

Buzz married Jean Jensen on July 7, 1967. Together they raised a ‘modern family’. He was proud of his children and all their achievements. Buzz was a beloved grandfather, great grandfather, and uncle to many. He retired to Springfield, MO and in later years moved to Sault Ste Marie, MI.

Buzz enjoyed side by side rides and fishing. He had trouble finding a bad pizza or bad fish fry. He was a craftsman. He was a tinkerer. He was a woodworker. He was a mechanic. He was a welder. He restored many items over the years including a steam engine that was used to mill wood for his ‘Hand Crafted By Buzz Duff’ pieces and for building his homes, which he did more than once. He was also a member of a Volkswagen’s club that he and Jean enjoyed.

Buzz was preceded in death by his wife Jean, parents Archie and Lorna, brothers Gerald and Robert, sister Willa Kruempel, son Duane, and great grandson Jacob Elias.

Buzz is survived by son Dale Duff (Elizabeth Weisbach) of New Albany, IN, son Darryl (Lisa) Duff of Loves Park, IL, daughter Kim (Shaon) DeGreif of Sault Ste Marie, MI,  daughter Jodi (Craig) Marshall of Pershing IA, son Don Dixon (Teresa Fletcher) of Asbury, IA, numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and sisters in law Betty Duff of Fairbanks AK and Karen Jensen of Kieler, WI.

Per Buzz’s wishes, cremation rites have taken place and no service will be held.