Tim Shoto "Duke" Languein's Obituary
Tim Shoto “Duke” Languein
6/27/1957 - 4/25/2026
Duke was born on June 27th to Kenneth and Shirley Languein in Kansas City, Missouri. On paper his name may have been Tim, but he was called Duke his whole life. His best friends growing up were Steve and John, and even though he would move states away he loved and cherished those friendships until the end. His brothers Jimmy and Charlie were quite a bit older, but he still managed to go on many adventures with them. Many summers were spent traveling with his parents.
He met Leann Martin and in 1980, they had their first daughter Emily. Shortly after Emily’s birth they moved to Duchesne, Utah where he worked in the oil fields. Going from a big city to Duchesne was quite the shock to say the least, but it’s the place where they met many friends who became family and he found his love for the outdoors.
They eventually moved to Sandy, Utah and had two more daughters Sarah and Cody. He was a lot of things in his life, but at the top of that list was an excellent father. The love from Duke was unmatched. We would race to give him the first love when we got home. Grocery shopping was a weekly event that he planned and found all the sales, and if we came we got to pick the cereal for the week. When we were hurt he had a “magic rock” that could fix any scraped knee or injury. On Valentine's day we would wake up to presents on our pillow. He also had an “oh baby” song that could be used to wake up or ad libbed to communicate something. When we were little he would share plates with us and cut up our food tiny and we’d eat on his lap. Duke also managed to take all of his kids on separate dates. It was impressive that every daughter had special restaurants and interests he shared with them. He loved hole in the wall restaurants well before it was popular and he found the best ones even if he told us not to look at the floor. Saying he could cook was an understatement. It didn’t matter if it was an everyday meal or his dutch oven skills - he had a gift.
He had a close group of friends that he did so much with. From mountain men rendezvous, their annual hunting trip, and countless superbowls and other events.
In 2000, Duke became a papa and that was his favorite title of all. He would end up with 8 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. He loved them all so deeply that there are arguments on whose papa it really is. He always made sure to stock up on their favorite snacks like hot green gum, Riesens, and chocolate donuts so they had something to snack on while they snuggled and watched tv.
He is preceded in death by his ex wife Leann, his Brother Jim, and his Parents. He is survived by his Brother Charlie (Patti), and niece and nephew Christopher and Gina, daughters Emily (Jared), Sarah (Shayne), and Cody (Scott). His grandchildren: Austin (Isabella), Bryson, Riley, Hayden, Jackson, Jordan, Bailey, Ellie, and his great grand daughter Juniper.
A celebration of life will be held at Wheeler Farm on May 1st from 5-7 PM at the Pavillion at the west lawn.
What’s your fondest memory of Tim?
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Share a story where Tim's kindness touched your heart.
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