Wayne "Duke" Pruss, 74, of Pekin, Illinois, passed away on March 12, 2026, in Chicago at Northwestern Memorial Hospital surrounded by the love of family and friends.

He was born on July 25, 1951, in Peoria, Illinois, to Melvin Pruss and Mary Ann (Faubel) Hyten. He married the love of his life, Bettye R. Hulick, on September 5, 1970. She preceded him in death on June 8, 2025.

He is survived by his daughter, Jenifer Pruss of Pekin, along with his sisters Mary (Dean) Portscheller-Chapman of Saint Augustine, Florida, Jane (Vernel) Martin of Washington, and his half-sisters Carolyn (Bill) Sneed of Morton, Marilyn (Mike) Brown of Eureka, and Lori Miller of Morton.

Duke was a man who built his life from the ground up. Raised with very little, he created something meaningful through hard work, discipline, and determination. As the owner of Comet Supply in Washington for over 50 years, he didn't just build a business-he built a reputation of integrity and kindness. He believed that where you come from does not define where you can go, and he lived that belief every day. He showed others that with the right habits and a strong work ethic, anything is possible.

While he was serious and dedicated to business, Duke was equally known for something else-his ability to make people smile. He was a natural jokester, always finding a way to lighten the moment and bring laughter into the room. Making people feel good about themselves mattered to him.

At the center of his life was his family. His greatest loves were his wife, Bettye, and his daughter, Jenifer. Everything he built and everything he worked for was rooted in that love.

Duke also believed in something he called "magical moments." He often reminded those closest to him to pause, look around, and recognize the beauty in everyday life-the small, ordinary moments that often mean the most.

Some of his own favorite moments were the simplest ones-driving down the road with Bettye, exploring the countryside with no real destination, sitting on the front porch, and spending time on vacation in the ocean with his daughter. These were the moments he treasured most.

He enjoyed traveling, working in his yard, and experiencing life beyond the routine of work. He also rarely missed a day of working on a crossword puzzle and joking with the staff and patrons at the local restaurants, a reflection of his sharp mind and love for making others smile.

Duke will be remembered for his strength, his humor, his work ethic, and the way he showed others what was possible. More than anything, he will be remembered for the life he built, the lessons he taught, and the love he gave.

Cremation has been accorded. A memorial service will be held at Mason-White Funeral Home in Washington on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Boys & Girls Club of Pekin.