PIERRE, SD – Duane E. Jenner, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away on February 18, 2025 at Avantara in Pierre, South Dakota. He was 78 years old.

Celebration of Life will be held at Oahe Presbyterian Church at 11am with visitation and fellowship from 10am to 11am prior to the service on Saturday, March 1, 2025

Interment at Black Hills National Cemetery to be held at a later date.

Duane was born on November 2, 1946 to Herbert and Ada Jenner in Scotland, South Dakota. He grew up on the family farm with his younger brother, Marlin. Instead of a horse, Duane and his brother sometimes used to ride a steer around the farm. He attended rural school and liked to note that he was the smartest and the dumbest kid in his class as he was the only one in his grade. He also bragged that he had to walk uphill both ways to school and home because there was a creek between the two. Duane graduated from Scotland High School in 1964. In high school, Duane participated in FFA, track, plays, and football.

After high school, Duane attended Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa. It was there that he met the love his life, Mary (Bimmel) Jenner. Duane and Mary were married on July 25, 1969. Just before they were married, Duane was drafted into the United States Army. He was sent to Vietnam and worked as a medical supply clerk with the 95th Evacuation Hospital in DeNang, Vietnam. As Duane was leaving the United States for Vietnam, his first-born son Brian was born. Duane got to hear Brian crying on the phone as he was awaiting his departure from the United States (Fort Lewis, Washington) to Vietnam. Duane was not able to meet his son until he returned in 1971 when he was honorably discharged as an SP5. Duane was proud to have served his country, as his father did during World War II.

After his discharge from the United States Army, Duane started his 37-year career with the South Dakota Department of Social Services in the Lake Andes Office. In 1975, he graduated from the University of Illinois (Champaign-Urbana) with a Master of Social Work degree. The next phase of Duane’s career in Social Work took the family to Chamberlain, South Dakota to go back to work for the South Dakota Department of Social Services. During his time in Chamberlain, Duane was able to purchase the first of several boats and fostered his love of fishing and being near the Missouri River.

In 1977, Duane’s career with the South Dakota Department of Social Services saw the family move to Fort Pierre, South Dakota on the shores of the Missouri River with a boat launch a half block away. He worked in the Pierre local office and later in the Richard Kneip Building with the Foster Care Program and Child Protection Services for the remainder of his 37-year career. He retired from Child Protection Services in 2006.

In 1986, the family grew with the birth of his second born son Aaron.

Duane was an active member of Oahe Presbyterian Church and served as an Elder and Treasurer. He also went on a mission trip with Presbyterian Disaster Assistance to New Orleans in 2007 to assist with Hurricane Katrina recovery and rebuilding efforts.

Duane enjoyed hunting, gardening, and fishing with family and friends. He was a die-hard Minnesota Vikings fan and followed the Minnesota Twins. During retirement, he also golfed, played shuffleboard, and volunteered at Feeding South Dakota.

Duane is survived by his wife, Mary of Fort Pierre, his son, Brian (Steph) of Summerset, South Dakota, his son, Aaron, of Fort Pierre, his grandchildren Colby of Lincoln, Nebraska and Bricelyn of Summerset, South Dakota, his brother, Marlin (Cheryl) of Sisseton, sisters in law, Joan of Hingham, Wisconsin, and Jane (Steve) of Perry, Iowa, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Duane was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Ada Jenner and his brother-in-law, Bob Swart of Hingham, Wisconsin.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Feeding South Dakota or Presbyterian Disaster Assistance.

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