Douglas Fred Duchek, 77, of Birmingham, Michigan, passed away May 23, 2024, after a brief battle with cancer.
Doug was born in Lincoln on April 9, 1947, to Norma Jean (Hacker) and Marion “Duff” Duchek. His childhood was spent in Crete, where he graduated from Crete High School in 1965. He went on to attend the University of Nebraska, graduating from the College of Arts & Sciences in 1969 and University of Nebraska College of Law (J.D. with Distinction) in 1971.
Doug married high school sweetheart, Nancy Gwin, in 1965 and had two children, Mia and Gregory. They settled in Lincoln, where Doug practiced law at Cline, Williams, Wright, Johnson & Oldfather, L.L.P. Doug was married for a second time to Bren Buckley in 1982. They met practicing law. They had two daughters, Kydlan and Manon. Doug and Bren remained life partners for 42 years.
While practicing law in Nebraska, Doug was active with the Nebraska State Bar Association, serving on the House of Delegates from 1975-1983. He was Chair in 1982. He served on the board of directors of the Lincoln Bar Association from 1975-1979. He was president in 1977, 1978.
In 1974, by appointment of the court, Doug argued Wolff v. McDonnell in front of the U.S. Supreme Court. Wolff vs. McDonnell established that prisoners retain certain due process rights, including the right to a hearing and to receive confidential legal counsel. Doug was 27 years old at the time and remains one of the youngest attorneys to argue a case in front of the U.S. Supreme Court. This was a great honor and career highlight for him.
After moving with Bren to Michigan, Doug practiced law in both Nebraska and Michigan. From 1990-1994, Doug was General Council for IBP, Inc., in Dakota Dunes, South Dakota. In Michigan, he specialized in antitrust, business, corporate finance and bankruptcy law for 34 years.
Doug enjoyed loving relationships with brother, Charles “Chuck” Duchek, and his first cousins, who were like brothers to him and his extended family. He was passionate about history, politics, his favorite teams and the arts, whether it was Tigers, Cornhuskers or opera. He was a proud father, granddad and uncle who loved attending his family’s musicals, sporting events, ballet, horse shows and special occasions.
Doug is survived by his partner, Bren Buckley; his four children and their families Mia Kennedy (Peter), Gregory Duchek, Kydlan Margulies (Eric), Manon Duchek, his grandchildren Evan Kennedy (Caroline), Audrey Kennedy, Lara Kennedy, Thomas Margulies and Nate Margulies; his brother, Chuck Duchek and sister-in-law Janet; niece, Kelli Duchek (Michael Schmidt); and nephew, Matthew Duchek (Anne).
A memorial service will be held in Birmingham, Michigan and in Crete at a later date. Share memories at AJDesmond.com.
