Todd Dukes

Todd Dukes was unfortunately taken from us on Saturday, December 9, 2023 at the age of 59 years old.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial for Todd will take place on Saturday, January 6, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Parish in Horicon with Rev. Fr. Justin Lopina presiding. A visitation for Todd will take place on Saturday, January 6, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m. Inurnment will follow the service at St. Malachy’s Cemetery in Horicon.
Todd was a cancer survivor once but not twice. He faced death head on and enjoyed every day he could. He always said his life was “a good run”. He also said several times he had more friends than he deserved and was floored by the outpour of correspondence from his friends.

Born to Newton and Jennie (Richardson) Dukes on April 5, 1964, Todd was the last of 4 children. Todd was born and raised in Horicon and attended all 12 years of school as a Marshman. Todd lost his mother at a very young age. With this unfortunate event he found stability in his eldest sister Deb. Wally and Kay Swiss all immediately stepped in as much needed parents and mentors. Throughout his life, Todd’s interests included darts, curling, golf, and genealogy. Todd didn’t like the competitive side as much as he did the social aspect of these interests.

While there are many stories of dart adventures, he could throw a hattrick at moment’s notice if needed. He was a member of the Madison Curling Club for many years where he was a regular on the Wednesday Early Men’s League. Todd’s interests also included golf; it was a lifelong passion from the time he could stand. Swear and throw a club, but most of his time was devoted to genealogy where he amassed over 3500 people in his family tree as well as helping others start their genealogy journey.

Todd met the love of his life in March of 1992 shortly after moving to Madison. Todd and Susan were united in marriage in October of 1996. They spent several weeks honeymooning in Greece and Europe. In August of 1998 his daughter was born. Jordan was instantly the most important person to Todd. His fondest memories are of walking in the door to a hug. He spoke often about his favorite moments of teaching her to ride a bike and drive a car. He almost never missed one of her dance competitions. Todd and Susan regrettably divorced in 2018.

Being born in the restaurant business, Todd’s career path was sealed from the beginning. Todd left at 18 years old to travel the country. He spent the next 10 years living and working either behind the bar or the grill in Horicon, Beaver Dam, Lake Geneva, Ocala, Florida, Key Largo, Florida, New Orleans, Las Vegas, and Mackinac Island.

Todd settled in Madison and purchased a well-known downtown institution, The Argus. He later built the Madison Public House all while developing a catering company called Exceptional Catering. He was responsible for over 3000 whole cooked hogs, hundreds of weddings, and countless other events. Later, he developed the well-known BBQ place, Porktropolis, which included two food carts that served Sun Prairie and Dane County for many years.

In the twilight of his career, he was the food and beverage director for Cascade Development. Todd was also the executive chef of Kestrel Ridge Country Club.
Todd is survived by his daughter Jordan Dukes; former spouse Susan Dukes; sister Deb (Wes) Lindert; brother Ron (Diane) Dukes. He leaves behind nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends that were all very special to him.

Todd was preceded in death by his parents; sister Darlene Riese, Wally, and Kay Swiss; and loyal canine companion Buddy.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staff of Generations Hospice and Prairie Ridge for the compassionate care they provided Todd.