Jeffrey John LaDuke, of Rochester, Michigan, passed away unexpectedly on Friday August 16, 2024, at the age of 71.
Jeff was born the son of John and Charlotte (Beckhold) LaDuke in Detroit, Michigan on June 3, 1953. He graduated from Rochester High School, class of 1971. Jeff had a career as a singer, song writer, and audio engineer. He was the owner of Stoney Creek Studios in Rochester, providing audio and production for many bands and artists both national and local, and was part of the ‘Motown Magic.’ He was a member of many bands over his lifetime including L.A. Duke, Image, Windbreakers, and Rochester’s own Jello Shots. Jeff did extensive audio work for Henry Ford Hospital, including their televised “Minds of Medicine” series. He sang and performed at over 200 weddings. Jeff mixed the music for the US Olympic Skating Team. He earned multiple Emmy and Telly awards throughout his career. Jeff wrote, played and produced a song for the radio show ‘Pillow Talk.’ He served as Music Minister for local Catholic churches.
Jeff was a fixture in the Rochester Community. He was an integral part of the City of Rochester Christmas Parade as Audio engineer and Master of Ceremonies for over 40 years. He was the Coordinator, Audio Engineer, Master of Ceremonies and Performer for the City of Rochester Music in the Park series for 44 years. Jeff conducted various Memorial Services at White Chapel Cemetery. He organized local musicians to sing at area nursing homes.
Jeff had a love of sailing and was an experienced sailboat captain. He was the captain of the sailing vessel “Sheer Will Power.” Jeff competed in the Port Huron to Mackinac race and participated in racing and committee boat activities for the Port Huron Yacht Club. Jeff sailed in the British Virgin Islands many times over the years with friends and family.
Jeff had a passion for cooking. He shared his fantastic sense of humor with everyone. He loved and was loved by his family and friends. Jeff’s house was a decorated spooky Halloween destination for the neighborhood children of all ages. He had the unique talent and skill of bringing out the best in everyone.
Jeff is survived by his wife Stacey Fox; step children Lucas Ciesliga, Erika (Kyle) Curtis, Shanti Salansky, and Jacqueline (Andrew) Harbour; grandchildren Kaydin Ferguson and Rylee Salansky; his brother Jason LaDuke; sister Susan (Pat) Moore; uncle Bob LaDuke, and nieces Mia LaDuke and Devon (Jon) Principe. Jeff was predeceased by his parents.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday August 21, 2024, from 4:00-8:00 p.m. at Pixley Funeral Home located at 322 West University Drive in downtown Rochester. A funeral service will be held on Thursday August 22, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. (10:00 a.m. in state) at St. John Fisher Catholic Church, located at 3665 Walton Boulevard in Auburn Hills, Michigan. Interment will follow at Mount Avon Cemetery in Rochester.
Memorial contributions may be made in Jeff’s honor to the Leader Dogs for the Blind online at www.leaderdog.org or at Pixley Funeral Home.
Obituary provided by Dignity Memorial
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