Duayne F. Rhoden, 72, of Sturgis, died Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2006, at the Sturgis Regional Hospital.

Visitation at Kinkade Funeral Chapel.

Funeral services will be Tuesday, Dec. 26 at the St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Sturgis with Father Vern Raschke officiating. Interment will follow at the Black Hills National Cemetery.

Duayne was born in Sturgis, Aug. 1, 1934, to Frank and Alma (Long) Rhoden. He attended school in Sturgis and graduated from Sturgis Brown High School. Duayne worked at various jobs as a teenager. He worked at Homestake Mine for many years. During this time, he was blessed with two children. Duayne married L.G. in Sturgis on May 31, 1964. They made their home in Sturgis for the last 42 years, and they raised two children. Duayne served as Ward 1 City Councilman for 14 years. He served in the National Guard for 32 years in the 109th Engineer Battalion and transferred to the South Dakota Military Academy as Mess Sergeant where he served until his retirement in August 1994. At the same time, he worked at the Ellsworth Air Force Base in the civil engineering department as a carpenter/mason. He was involved in the reconstruction and many of the new construction projects of the buildings and offices on the base. During his time with the National Guard, he was awarded many Outstanding Service Awards and the "Sergeant Major's Award."

In December 1986, Duayne and Nonie along with their daughter purchased the Hair Care Center and Tanning Salon, which was his daily mission to keep the girls on their toes, straighten the rug, and bring them donuts. It was his "daily" place to drink coffee and "shoot the bull." Duayne will always be remembered for his quick wit, his easy laugh, a pat on the back, and a toothpick hooked to his pen in his pocket.

Duayne loved to be with family and friends. He loved to go hunting and fishing with his son, David. They did many building projects together and loved to have his grandchildren over to the house.

Duayne is survived by his wife,four children,6 grandchildren, one great grandchild,step-father,sister-in-law,brother-in-law, niece, Sheila Ansley and nephew.

Duayne was preceded in death by his mother and father, Frank and Alma Rhoden, and brother, Garald Rhoden.