Duwane Decker, age 92, of Huron, passed away peacefully at his home.

His funeral service was held at 2:00 PM, Sunday, February 15, at Bethesda Church. Burial will be held at 10:00 AM, Monday, February 16, in the Ebenezer Church Cemetery, rural Doland. His service was live-streamed.

Visitation with family present was held from 4:00 to 6:00 PM, Saturday, February 14, at the Kuhler Funeral Home.

Duwane Merlin Decker was born on January 17, 1934, to Sam and Emma Decker of rural Hitchcock. He was the fourth of ten children — six boys and four girls. Duwane grew up in a large, happy family. He graduated from Doland High School in 1952 and attended college at Briercrest Bible Institute in Saskatchewan. He earned degrees from Grace Bible Institute in Omaha and Huron College. After spending two years in the US Army, Duwane continued his education at Northern State College where he earned a Master’s Degree in Administration in 1964.

During his time at Grace Bible Institute, he met Sharon Blowers. Music brought them together as they both sang in the Grace Chorale. They married in 1962 and had two daughters, Aleda and Clarice.

Duwane was an educator and school administrator, first teaching in Elbing, Kansas, before moving to James Valley Christian High School. He taught and was the superintendent at the school from 1963 to 1978. Duwane poured himself into James Valley as an administrator, teacher, coach, fundraiser and sometimes even a janitor.

The family moved to Wolsey in 1978, where Duwane was the principal at Wolsey High School and the girls completed their high school education. Duwane enjoyed coaching basketball, organizing track meets and attending their musical productions. Duwane was the chairman of the 281 Conference for many years.

During his time in education, he took every opportunity to return to the farm. At first he did custom baling, before joining his brother Vohn, farming and raising cattle. He loved farm life. In 1995, he retired from Wolsey High School and pursued farming full-time.

In retirement, Duwane and Sharon purchased the family farm near Doland, SD, and spent 29 happy years living the country life — growing wheat, soybeans, sunflowers and corn. Duwane had a herd of cattle that kept him close to home, but he found time to travel the world with Sharon. They made several trips to Saipan and the Philippines to visit Aleda’s family. They also enjoyed many tropical spring break trips with Clarice’s family and a trip to England and France in 2016. Duwane was a loving and indulgent Papa to his six grandchildren. He daily prayed for each one by name and attended as many sports and music events as possible.

Duwane learned how to fly during his college days. He first owned a Piper Cub. After the girls were grown, he bought another single engine airplane—a Cherokee 180. He was a diligent pilot who safely flew family and friends all over the upper Midwest. Duwane used his plane to help others too — from flying a patient to Mayo Clinic to taking kids to a mission trip in Idaho.

Foremost in Duwane’s life was his relationship with his Savior, Jesus Christ. He demonstrated his faith serving at Christian schools and pastoring a small country church near Wessington called Tipton during the 1960s and 70s. Later, Duwane attended Bethesda Church in Huron where he taught Sunday School and served as an elder and chairman of the Missions Committee for many years.

Duwane and Sharon moved to Huron in December 2023. He bought a large riding lawn mower and replayed his farming days by mowing his yard frequently. The family hosted a big party in his backyard for his 90th birthday. Over the last couple of years his health declined, but he loved seeing his family, watching sports, going to church in person (or online) and reminiscing about the past. He was blessed with a large family that visited often. He peacefully passed in his sleep to his eternal home at the age of 92.

Duwane is survived by his wife, Sharon; his daughters, Aleda (Vaughan Hagberg) and Clarice (Andrew Mugglin); his grandchildren, Rachel, Luke (Laura) and Sonya Hagberg and Jordan, Ian and Gretchen Mugglin; his brothers, LaVerne (Clara) Decker, Vohn (DiAnna) Decker and Robert (Alice) Decker; his sisters, Bonnie Entzel, Betty (Merv) Rempel, Ella Decker and Emily (John) Goertz. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Sam and Emma Decker; and his two brothers, Wesley and Alvin.