Duane Sulk, 69, of Florida and former Marinette resident, passed away on Jan. 14, 2026 from complications of cancer.
He was born in Marinette to Milton and Marlene Sulk. He attended Peshtigo High school where he was actively involved in drama and choir, and was very popular with his classmates of 1974. He always had a kind word for others, had a great sense of humor and loved corny jokes.
He attended the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire, graduating in 1978 with a journalism degree and began his career as a TV news reporter in Waterloo, Iowa, serving as Dubuque bureau chief. Two years later he was hired by WOC-TV in Davenport, Iowa, where he reported, did weekend weather, edited assignments and served as executive producer. While in Iowa Duane interviewed Bob Hope, Milton Berle, George Burns and Art Carney. He also had a conversation with president Jimmy Carter in 1979. At an Easter party at a friend’s house, he met Oprah Winfrey. In 1986 he relocated to Florida to be news director for WEVU-TV in Fort Myers, Florida. Duane loved Florida and the beaches.
In 1990 he left the TV news industry and formed Sulk & Associates, focused on public relations for the building industry of Southwest Florida. In a few years he formed an advertising agency (Ad Force,) and later a video production company (Sulk Mullin Global Media,) which produced online videos, focused on for sale/for rent properties. Later he formed WebStir Public Relations Florida, to do internet marketing. In 2000, Duane was named Florida Public Relations Association’s “Professional of the year,” for his district.
Duane was proceeded in death by his parents; his partner of 32 years, Edward L. Ballenger II; his brother, Craig; and a sister-in-law, Sheila Sulk. He was also proceeded by his dogs, Buster and Emmy.
He is survived by a brother, Steve; two sisters, Darcy Wuhrman (Bill) and Susan Hubbard, all of Marinette; one sister-in-law Barb Sulk of Menominee; many nieces and nephews; and his dog, Oliver. He is further survived by his caretaker Zachary Jenkins of Florida, who was like a son to him, and dozens of friends including those from Peshtigo High School class of 1974.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time.
