Duane Mervin Odle, 66, Nisland, SD, passed away Tuesday, August 15, 2006, at Nisland after a lengthy illness.

Duane was born November 28, 1939, at Deadwood, SD, to Nate M. and Edith G. (Kappan) Odle. The family lived in Spearfish, SD, Billings and Butte, MT, Oakland, CA, and Nisland. He went to a rural school and graduated from Nisland High School in 1957. Duane married Sue Sorenson in 1957.

Duane worked on dairy farms in Washington State, California and on the Odle dairy farm near Nisland with his Dad and brother, Ron. In 1974, Duane married his loving wife of 32 years, Jeanette Jensen. They purchased the family farm with Ron in 1980 and worked it until 1999.

Duane was a board member of the Belle Fourche Irrigation District for many years. He also served as President and made many trips to Washington D.C. to seek funding for various water projects. Duane loved farming, harvesting, water skiing, golfing, and especially watching his grandchildren play ball.

Survivors include his wife, Jeanette Odle, Nisland; three daughters, Christine (Paul) Moffett, Oro Valley, AZ, Tobi (Steve) Thorson, Belle Fourche, SD, Traci (Brent) Wood, Marietta, GA; three sons, Nathan (DeAnne) Odle, Carlin, NV, Greg (Polly) Odle, St. Onge, SD, Darren (Carri) Odle, Sturgis, SD; one brother, Ron Odle, Rapid City, SD; one sister, Zona (Steve) Hodge, Orlando, FL; nineteen grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and one son, David.

Memorial services will be held Wednesday, August 23, 2006, at the Newell Evangelical Church (110 8th St., Newell, SD) with Pastor Tom Martin officiating. Inurnment will follow at the Nisland Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to the Black Hills Christian Academy.

Kinkade Funeral Chapel of Sturgis, SD is in charge of the arrangements.