William "Karl" Duncan

William “Karl” Duncan, aged 54, passed away unexpectedly at his home on October 31, 2024. He was born on November 25, 1969, in Dallas, Texas, to Bill and Margaret Duncan. 

Karl grew up enjoying summer family trips to Colorado with aunts, uncles, and cousins. In junior high school, he started his own lawnmowing business, which he continued through his time at Plano Senior High School, where he was also a proud member of the Plano Senior High State Champion Football team. He later went on to graduate with an English degree from the University of Texas at Austin. He worked for years in IT after graduation, most recently becoming a Senior IT Project Manager with FarWell. 

Karl met his wife, Heather, while both were members of a water ski show team in Florida after college. They married on March 20, 1999. Over the years, family vacations with their three children were a big part of family time. He loved going to the Northwoods of Wisconsin, to the Island in the Florida Gulf, to the farm in Daggett, MI, back to Texas, and over to Saint Paul— happily piling his family into the car to drive at all hours of the day or night to get there. 

In Karl’s free time, he enjoyed sharing his life and experiences through poetry (especially Japanese haiku) and story writing, publishing some of his work. His running group and long walks with the dogs were always a source of joy. He loved connecting with family through his Ancestry family tree. He also loved all things outer space—he could often be found gazing up at the stars, planets, or passing space stations. Adventures to find the northern lights had recently become a favorite thing. 

Most importantly, Karl was a man who couldn’t help but be kind to everyone. 

Karl is survived by his wife, Heather (Sward) Duncan; children, Shannon, Brier, and Phoebe; sister, Liz (John) Goudreau; father-in-law, Steve (Deanie) Sward; his brother-in-law, Eric (Sally) Sward; nephews Jack Goudreau, Will (Katie) Goudreau, and Jonathan Sward; and niece, Jemma Sward. He is preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Margaret Duncan, and his mother-in-law, Marilyn Sward. 

A visitation will be held from 4:00pm to 7:00pm on Friday, December 13th at Cress Funeral Home, 3610 Speedway Rd., Madison, WI 53705. 

Funeral services will be held at 11:30am on Saturday, December 14th , at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 1833 Regent St., Madison, WI 53705. Additional Visitation prior to the Service 10:30-11:30am at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church