Person Sheet


Name Norman Anthony DuKette 803,804, D230
Birth Nov 11, 1890, District of Columbia805,806,807
Census 1900, Washington, Washington Co., DC798
Census 1930, Flint, Genesee, MI807
Death Mar 31, 1980, Flint, Genesee, MI217 Age: 89
Occupation Catholic Priest
Father John H. F. Duckett (1850-<1910)
Mother Letitia Greenleaf (1850-)
Spouses
Unmarried
Notes for Norman Anthony DuKette
Father Norman Anthony Dukette as identified by his official title and "the Duke" to all his friends, was born November 11, 1890, in Washington D.C. to John Henry Duckett and and Letitia Greenleaf Duckett. He was the 18th child among twenty-seven siblings. His father was a government worker who, after the family moved to Detroit, sometimes leased horses and carts to the city for hauling. He also ran a grocery store to feed his large family. DuKette's mother was a domestic cook who took in sewing to compensate their meager income.

While in Detroit, Norman DuKette met Rev. Joseph C. Wuest, S.S.S.P., pastor of Old St. Mary's Parish dowtown. He volunteered his services and assisted in organizing the city's first black mission, St. Peter Claver. This helped to propel him and intensified his zeal about the service of others. Those were the first seeds of his vocation and call to serve as a priest.

Encouraged by Fr. Wuest to pursue seminary studies Norman DuKette applied for the priesthood in the Roman Catholic Church. Through perseverance he continued his pursuit until he was accepted. He became the first black student at Loras Academy and College in Dubuque Iowa from which he graduated in 1922

St. Benedict the Moor Parish (Detroit) 1928 - 1976
Christ the King in Flint

Also served in Dubuque, Iowa808
Last Modified December 4, 2007 Created Sep 2, 2006 using Reunion for Macintosh

Contents * Index * Surnames * Contact * Web Family Card