Duane Eilers, age 80 of 20477 SD Highway 37, Huron, died on October 15, 2009, at United Retirement Center in Brookings.

His funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, October 20, 2009, at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Huron with burial at Restlawn Memory Gardens Cemetery.

Visitation will be 1-8 p.m. Monday, October 19, at Welter Funeral Home with the family present from 6-8 p.m. Monday night; or, one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday.

Duane Herbert Eilers, the son of Ernest and Kathryn (Ronsick) Eilers, was born on February 23, 1929, in Hawarden, IA, and attended Hawarden schools. He graduated from Hawarden High School in 1946, where he excelled in sports.

Duane married Arlis Estervig on June 5, 1949 in Hawarden, IA. They lived in eastern South Dakota where he was employed in bridge construction. In 1958 they moved to Huron. After retiring from bridge construction in the mid 80s, Duane enjoyed being a welder for Telelect, now Terex.

Duane was a member of Mount Calvary Lutheran Church in Huron and the Association of General Contractors of South Dakota. He enjoyed spending time with his family, hunting, fishing, and gardening.

Duane is survived by his son, Mike (Lori) Eilers of Brookings; daughters, Lori (Lee) Glaeser of Boise, ID and Barbara (Bob) Meink of Aberdeen; 6 grandchildren, Maggie and Taylor Eilers, Hallie Meink, Michelle and Sara Collings, and Keith Glaeser; sister, Betty Lou (Russ) Brandsma; sister-in-law, Ruth Eilers; aunt, Louella Wilkison; nieces and nephews.

Duane was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Arlis in 1995; and his brother, Keith.