Duane E. Kendall, 86, of Brookings, SD met Jesus face to face on August 14, 2026. He was surrounded by his loving family. A visitation will be held for Duane from 11:30-1:00 on August 22, 2026 at First Lutheran Church in Brookings, SD. A memorial service will follow starting at 1:00pm at First Lutheran Church. 

Duane was born on April 17, 1940, to Lloyd and Anna Kendall in Lake City, MN and moved to Redwing, MN as a teenager. Upon graduation, Duane enlisted and was proud of his service in the U.S. Army. After honorable discharge he worked with his dad in Menno, SD and met the love of his life, “His Brown Eyed Girl”, Sharon Herman. Duane and Sharon married November 16, 1963. After the ceremony the newly married couple lived in Mitchell, SD where they were blessed with three children, Machelle, Dawn, and Michael.

Duane’s career included working for Hormel and progressed to being a federal meat inspector. His hobbies included playing cards, fishing, golfing, and traveling. His greatest joys were being a loving husband and father and doting on his ten grandchildren, and eight great grandchildren.

Duane is survived by his caring wife of 62 years, Sharon, children Machelle (Mark) Homp, Dawn Gustafson (John Kastner), and Michael (Julie) Kendall, grandchildren and great grandchildren, one sister, Pam (Peter) Sorenson, many nieces and nephews, and church friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, two whom died in infancy, four sisters, his parents-in-law, one brother-in-law, and his son-in-law John Gustafson.

Duane’s well-worn Bible is a testament to his desire to grow in God’s word. His dying hope was for his entire family to grow close to the Lord. Thanks be to God!!