Duane Emmett - Brookings

Jan. 6, 1950 - June 16, 2021

Posted

Duane Emmett, 71, of Brookings, passed away on Wednesday, June 16, 2021, in rural White as a result of a farming accident.  
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, at GracePoint Wesleyan Church in Brookings, beginning at 11 a.m.  Following the service, there will be a time of fellowship at the church.  A time of visitation will be held the evening prior, Monday, June 21, 2021, also at GracePoint Wesleyan Church, from 5 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.  Duane’s family encourages family and friends to share stories and memories of Duane on the electronic guestbook atwww.eidsnessfuneralhome.com, or by e-mailing staff@eidsnessfuneralhome.com if they are unable to attend services.  Eidsness Funeral Home is assisting Duane’s family with arrangements.        
Duane Oakley Emmett was born on Jan. 6, 1950, to Earl and Luella (Wessel) Emmett in Mitchell, South Dakota.  
Duane spent the first five years of his life in Artesian, South Dakota, followed by a move to the Brookings and Bruce area, graduating from Brookings High School in 1968.  Following his graduation, Duane attended SDSU for approximately 3 years, ultimately determining that his future involved farming rather than a career in pharmacy.  Duane was extremely passionate and hard-working throughout his life, most recently farming near White, SD.
Duane held many interests in life, including fishing, hunting, and following his beloved sports teams, including SDSU, the Minnesota Twins, and Minnesota Vikings. Duane was also an avid pinochle and card player, always making it difficult for family and friends to win a game against him.  Duane enjoyed cooking and was a wonderful cook.  Being a morning person, he especially loved breakfast.
Of all the joys in Duane’s life, his family was truly the most important to him.  Duane was a caring and loving man who was happiest spending time with his family.  On July 1, 2001, Duane married Jeanie Robish. Their blended family was their pride and joy. Together they enjoyed traveling, especially with the “cruise crew.”
From an early age, Duane came to love babies.  Whether they were babies within the family or baby animals on the farm, Duane did not discriminate.  Duane was also a shining example of positivity and encouragement.  He truly enjoyed helping others and watching them succeed.  To Duane, there were no strangers, only friends that he hadn’t met yet.
Friends quickly became family to Duane, and he was always content spending time visiting with others.
Duane is survived by his wife Jeanie, of Brookings; his children Jacque McShane, Nikki (Bobby)  Deskins, Darcie (David) Van Ede, Kandy Carlson, Teri (Ralph) Smith, Kris (Bob) Nagel; his daughter-in-law Michelle (Dave) Peck; his grandchildren Jordin Mallett (Jacob Puppe), Braydon Mallett (Chase Langlee), Wesden Van Ede, Jaden, Deven and Paten Deskins, Austin Tschetter, Ella, Gerrit and Eden Peck, Missy (Matt) Overgard, Amanda Lokkeberg, Sonni (Andy) Larson, Dustin (Lauren) Wells, Sara Carlson, Jake Carlson,  Heather Coy, Danielle Stilp, Tessa Vande Vegte, Dylan McShane; his brothers Larry (Robyn) Emmett, Gary (Tess) Emmett and sister Pam Emmett (Randy Hansen); mother-in-law Estelle Robish; sister-in-law Rita Emmett, and several great grandchildren and brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Eileen, his brother Lynn, his step-daughter Lori Slechta, his step-son Dustin Tschetter, his granddaughter Ashtyn McShane, his grandson Cameron Van Ede, and his father-in-law Maynard Robish.