Duane Shoemaker, age 91, of Wolsey, passed away on Sunday, March 17, 2019 at SunQuest Healthcare Center in Huron.

Due to construction at First Presbyterian Church in Wolsey, his funeral service will be at 10:00 AM on Saturday, March 23, 2019 at Welter Funeral Home in Huron followed by burial in the Wolsey Cemetery.

Visitation with the family present will be from 5-7 PM on Friday, March 22, 2019, followed by a prayer service and time of sharing at 7:00 PM at Welter Funeral Home in Huron, or visitation one hour prior to the funeral service at the funeral home.

Duane Milton Shoemaker was born July 29, 1927, to Lucian and Amelia "Millie" (Gogolin) Shoemaker on a farm near Wolsey.  He graduated from Virgil High School.  He married Joy Moller (whom he met as a child) on May 27, 1948.  They farmed near Wolsey and had five children.  Duane was a hard-working, fun-loving husband and father. He was at his best when he had a child or grandchild by his side to weave a story, sneak a bite of their ice cream, and inspire their sense of humor and imagination.

Duane loved farm life, milking cows, raising cattle, and raising milk goats.  He loved horses and horse trading, and raised many horses, including purebred Arabians.  Duane and Joy started the enterprise "Shoemakers' Acres" and hosted many horse shows, riding groups and barn dances.  He did custom haying in the community with his own "home-grown" crew.  He enjoyed hunting and had many a faithful dog at his side.  When his own children were grown Duane drove school bus for the Wolsey School District for many years.

Duane loved people and never met a stranger.  He loved a good story or joke and had a smile for everyone.

He was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Wolsey where he served on the Synod, sang in the choir, and taught Sunday School and led Youth Group for several years.

Grateful to have shared in his life are his children, Linda and Jim Cameron of Huron; Lee and Truman Henry of Aberdeen, Dale and Pat Shoemaker of Wolsey, Dalaine and Gahlan Pleinis of Eden, Jim and Amy Shoemaker of Yankton; 15 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife Joy on February 17, 2018; his mother and father, and his sister Gladys Moore.