Duane Pistulka

Duane Pistulka, 84 of Tea, passed away on February 6, 2021 at his home surrounded by his family. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 AM Tuesday, February 9, 2021 at St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Tea. Burial will be at 4:00 PM at St. Anthony’s Cemetery, rural Fairfax. Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 PM Monday, February 8, 2021 at the church with a prayer service starting at 7:00 PM. Due to Covid 19, please wear a mask and practice social distancing at both opportunities to celebrate Duane’s life. Service will be livestreamed at https://www.facebook.com/HofmeisterJonesFuneralHome/ .  Arrangements by Hofmeister-Jones Funeral Home.

Duane Anthony Pistulka was born on May 20, 1936 to Charles and Rosalain (Opbroek) Pistulka on the family farm near Fairfax, SD. He was raised there with his siblings Eleanor, Kenneth, Louis, and Daniel. He graduated from Fairfax High school in 1954 then continued his education at Yankton College and at South Dakota State University. Duane’s passion for farming drew him back to the family farm where he worked with his father Charlie and eventually took over the operation.

Duane married Carol J. Kippes in 1963 at Parker, SD. To this union, five children were born: Damon, Brian, Craig, Jason, and Tina. Duane remained on the family farm by Fairfax where he raised his family and continued to farm for close to 50 years. Duane and Carol eventually moved to Spencer, SD and later Salem, SD. Duane and Carol moved to Tea in 2012 upon retirement.  This is where he lived the remainder of his life.

Duane was a very active in his community. In addition to farming he also owned and operated an insurance agency for more than 25 years. He served on the Cenex Board, Fairfax School Board, Fairfax Township Board, St Anthony’s Church Trustee, St Anthony’s Church Council, and member of St. Nicholas Catholic Church.  Duane also was an area representative for the National Farmers Organization focusing on recruitment of new members.

Duane was a very loving individual who touched many lives.  His passion for his family, church and community was witnessed by all who knew and loved him.  He had a heart of gold and always was there to help others in need.  Despite challenges that he faced in life, Duane always came through with a positive attitude and even humor into the last hours of his life.

Duane is survived by his wife Carol; children Damon (LaNae), Brian(Jennifer), Craig (Marsha Jons), Jason (Aimee), and Tina (Lanny) Huston; grandchildren Taylor (Brady Koopal), Kenzie, Amanda, Conner, Ryan, Matthew, Bryson, Adam, Mia, and Zach; great-granddaughter Raegan; siblings Eleanor, Louis, Daniel and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, four brothers-in-law, father-in-law, mother-in-law, as well as grandparents and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.