Duane Eleeson

Eleeson, Duane Herman, 81, passed away April 21, 2010. He was a wonderful, loving family man and a dedicated and caring friend. He was born in Philip, SD June 30, 1928 to Herman and Ida (Christenson) Eleeson. Their parents had immigrated from Norway and homesteaded in Haakon County. Duane was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Imogene Gascoigne. He married Elaine Van Ourkerk, his high school sweetheart. They have 2 children, Linda J. Upton and Bruce D. Eleeson. Duane graduated from Philip High School in 1946 and immediately enlisted in the U.S. Navy. Upon his discharge, he attended the University of South Dakota. He and his family moved to Huron, SD where he went to work for Standard Oil Company and then General Adjustment Company as an insurance adjuster. He retired from there after 35 years. He had been the branch manager and then regional manager in Wichita, KS. After retirement, he became an account manager for GAB, a teacher at Norris Training and a claims adjuster for Wheatland Adjusters. He was a lifetime member of the Masonic Lodge, the Blue Goose and Lame Ducks. Duane is survived by his wife, Elaine; brother, Deane of Temple, TX; daughter, Linda Upton (Kenneth) of Fairbury, NE; son, Bruce of Rapid City, SD; grandchildren, Kerry, Amy, Joshua, Casey, Kelli, Autumn, and great-grandchildren, Samantha, Zachary, Emma, Camden and Joshua II; nephews, John and Gary; niece, Jeanie. Duane was affiliated with the Norwegian and American Lutheran Church. Visitation with the family, 5:00-7:00 p.m., Sunday, April 25; service, 2:00 p.m., Monday, April 26, both at Downing Lahey Mortuary West in Wichita. The graveside service will be 1:00 p.m., Thursday, April 29, at the Masonic Cemetery on Highway 14 in Philip, SD. Arrangements in Philip are through the Rush Funeral Home. A memorial has been established with the Alzheimers Association, 347 Laura, Wichita, KS 67211. Visitation with the family, 5:00-7:00 P.M., Sunday, April 25, Downing Lahey Mortuary West. Graveside service, 1:00 P.M., Thursday, April 29, Masonic Cemetery, Philip, SD.