Duane R. Placko

Duane R. Placko passed away peacefully at his Palatine home early on September 5, four weeks after his 80th birthday.  He had been battling lung cancer and dementia.

Duane is survived by Nancy (nee Anderson) his wife of 57 years, sons Dane, Rich (Cindy), Scott (Paola) and daughter Dawn (Don) Wurtz.  He loved being with his grandchildren, Adam, Evan, Megan, Laura, Josh, Grace, Haley, Addison and Camille.  He is also survived by his brother Darrell of Arizona.

Duane had been retired for 18 years after a long and successful career in advertising sales in Chicago.  He grew up in the Logan Square neighborhood in a family-owned two-flat with three generations of family, including his grandparents.  After graduating from Kelvyn Park HS in 1955, Duane earned a journalism degree from the University of Illinois Urbana in 1960.  His first job at the Skokie News led to positions at Chain Store Age Magazine, Parents Magazine, Redbook and finally Petersen Publishing, where he oversaw a broad range of magazines as Midwest Advertising Director.

Duane was especially known for helping and mentoring those starting their careers or looking for a break.

What made him good at his job made him great as a husband and father.  He was colorful, playful, physically active and above all else, funny.  He could not sit still.  He loved fishing trips Up North with his children and grandchildren, traveling, practical jokes and good Slovak beer.  He was the life of every party he ever attended.  He is already missed.