Duane Joseph Hunsley, 83, of Pierre, SD, died on Tuesday, October 28, 2025. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 1:00pm on Monday, November 10, 2025 at Ss. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Pierre, with visitation for one hour prior. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Pierre.
Duane was born on June 10, 1942 to Gilbert and Eleanor (Anderson) Hunsley in Denver, CO. When Duane was 5 years old the family moved to Pierre and began farming north of Pierre. He attended rural schools and began working at age 14 for various neighbors. He graduated from TF Riggs High School in 1961 and then worked on the Big Bend Dam. He also worked on harvest crews, combining wheat from down south all the way up north to Canada. He worked on the Warne farm doing both farm work and helping with their children. In 1965, Duane purchased a stack mover and started doing custom work and also began renting farm land.
Duane married Diana Opbroek on January 15, 1966 in Pierre. In 1975, Duane and his brother Leonard started a partnership and purchased the family farm, where Duane and Diana raised their 6 children: Deborah, Dawn, Darleen, Daisy, David and Derek. In the late 1990s, while still farming he also shared his time between part-time at Forney’s Corner Store and full-time at Pierre Elevator, where his work was as much about camaraderie as it was about service.
Duane’s interests were a reflection of his love for life and family. In his earlier years he enjoyed bowling, hunting and helping with 4-H. Duane found his greatest joy in the simple pleasure of spending time with his children and their friends and then later his grandchildren. Whether watching their sports games or teaching them the ways of the farm, he was an ever-present figure in their lives. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church, and the Pierre Senior Center. He could often be found with his coffee buddies or riding around the country side looking at crops.
Duane is survived by his wife Diana, his children: Deborah Hunsley Vinge, Dawn (Mike) Busch, Darleen (Shane) Bothwell, Daisy (Travis) Pierson, David (Stacy) Hunsley, and Derek (Michelle) Hunsley, 21 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Lilla May Hunsley, brothers: Lavern (Georgia) Hunsley, Raymond (Lynne) Hunsley, Dale (Kathy) Hunsley, and Mark (Betty) Hunsley, sister-in-law Cora Hunsley, sisters-in-law: Karen (Barry) Kusler, Joan (Matthew) Patience and Jean (Ken) Shay, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Duane was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers: Donald Hunsley and Leonard Hunsley, one sister-in-law Nancy Hunsley, grandchild Olivia Pierson, parents-in-law Bill and Catherine Opbroek; brothers-in-law Steven Opbroek and Chuck Kohler and two nephews Jeff and Scott.
In Lieu of flowers the family wishes donations be made to St. Joseph School (210 E. Broadway, Pierre SD 57501).