Duane Benson

     Funeral Services for Duane Benson, age 85, of Sioux Falls, SD (Formerly of Rock Rapids), who died Saturday, April, 2023, at Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls surrounded by his family will be held at 10:30 AM Thursday, April 20, 2023 at the Peace Lutheran Church in Rock Rapids with the Rev. Alex Sloter officiating. Interment will follow at the Riverview Cemetery in Rock Rapids.

     Visitation will be Wednesday, April 19, 2023 from 5-7 PM, with the family present at the Jurrens Funeral Home of Rock Rapids.

     Duane Veryl Benson  was born on March 21, 1938, in Rock Rapids, Iowa, to Veryl and Ann (Lange) Benson. Duane grew up in

Rock Rapids with his sister and brother, working on the family farm, having fun with family and neighborhood friends. He attended Rock Rapids Grade School and Central Lyon High School (class of 1956), where he developed lifelong friendships and an appreciation for learning. His childhood was an idyllic time in his life, which he recalled fondly.

     After high school, Duane served in the Air National Guard for many years. He continued farming on the family farm for most of his life. He married Sharon Kaye Starns in 1960 and had a family consisting of 3 daughters. Lori Ann, Teri Leigh and Susan Marie.

     In 1983, Duane and Sharon, moved to California, where he enthusiastically worked at Inland Christian Home as a Maintenance Supervisor.

     In 2002, Duane retired and moved to his dream home in Palm Springs.  Here is where they enjoyed spending time with numerous friends and hosting countless visitors.  However, farming always remained to play a major role in his heart.

     Duane took pride in living on the family farm in Iowa. He loved working outdoors, baling hay, improving his farm buildings, and restoring a tractors. His gardens were legendary, and he planted hundreds of trees in his lifetime.  His hobbies included traveling all over the country in their beloved camper, watching cowboy tv and playing cards.

     After living in many different areas throughout his life he settled back in the Midwest to be closer to his family.

     Duane is survived by his loving daughters, Lori (Rob) Wilson of Chino, CA, Teri (Dave) McGill of Omaha, NE, and Sue (Mark) Katt of Esko, MN; grandchildren: Tyler (Brooke) Roach, Tara Roach, Trevor (Stephanie) Roach, Mitchell Katt, Desiree (Irvin) Villanueva, Kailee (Kory) Deadrick, Brandon Wilson, Brittany Wilson, sister: Shirley (Lyle) Glascock, brother: Keith (Raejean) Benson, as well as, his beloved seven great grand-children, cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

     Duane is preceded in death by his wife Sharon of 62 years, his parents Ann (Lange) and Veryl Benson and son-in-law Tom Roach.

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