D uane Gilbert Mason, 97, of Redfield, SD, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, March 13, 2022, at the Eastern Star Home in Redfield, SD.  Visitation will be 5:00 – 8:00 p.m., with family present, on Wednesday, March 16 at Hyke Funeral Home in Redfield.  A prayer service, rosary, and time of sharing will start at 6:00 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 17 at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Redfield.  Lunch and fellowship will follow the funeral service.  Burial, with military honors, will take place at 1:00 p.m. at St. Ann's Catholic Cemetery in Frankfort.

Both the prayer service and Mass of Christian Burial will be live-streamed to the funeral home's website, below Duane's obituary.  Hyke Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements ( www.hykefuneralhome.com ).

Duane was born on November 7, 1924, to Bert and Ada May (Gilbert) Mason on the family farm, 5 miles east and 4 ½ miles south of Frankfort, SD.  He grew up with three brothers and one sister.  He attended school at the Red Star Country School and graduated from Frankfort High School in 1942.  He attended Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, SD before joining the Army.  After his honorable discharge, Duane farmed his whole life on the farm where he was born and raised.  He planted and harvested crops, fixed machinery, and raised cattle, hogs, sheep, and horses.

On October 29, 1951, Duane married Marie Caroline Strope.  This union was blessed with three sons Lance, Monte, and Brent, and one daughter Darla.  Duane and Marie lived on the farm until September 28, 2015, when they moved to the Eastern Star Home in Court C and received Assisted Living services.

Duane enjoyed riding, trading horses, and farming in his younger years.  After retirement, he enjoyed playing cards, attending senior dances, visiting with family and friends, reading, watching TV, traveling, driving around looking at crops, and taking naps.  Duane and Marie spent many winters in Casa Grande, AZ which he always looked forward to.

He was a proud 70-year member of the American Legion and VFW in Redfield.  He was honored to participate in the Midwest Honor Flight.  He was active with St. Ann Catholic Church in Frankfort and assisted with the upkeep.  He was a current member of St. Bernard Catholic Church.  He will be remembered for his love of family and sense of humor, even in tough times.

Duane will be missed by his loving wife of 70 years, Marie; children:  Lance (Candice) Mason of Doland, SD, Darla (Robert) Knox of Frankfort, Monte (Ruth) Mason of Redfield, and Brent (Carmen) Mason of Frankfort.  He is also survived by 10 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; sister Joan Crook of Redfield; and sisters-in-law:  Joan Parks of Independence, MO and Helena Strope of Clinton, MO.

He is preceded in death by his siblings: Gene, Maurice, and Daelyn Mason; and several brothers- and sisters-in-law.

The family gratefully requests that memorials be directed to the Eastern Star Home (PO Box 150, Redfield, SD   57469) or St. Bernard Catholic Church (217 E 6th Ave., Redfield, SD   57469)

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Thank you to the participants in Duane's service:

Clergy - Reverend John Short

Placing of the Pall:

Lance Mason, Darla Knox, Monte Mason, Brent Mason

Lectors - Darla Knox and Monte Mason

Organist - Audrey Remily

Cantor and Vocalist - Rory Troske

Vocalist - Judy Mayer

Eucharistic Minister - Robert Knox

Altar Servers - Maya Hansen and Olivia Knox

Pallbearers - Grandsons:

Brett Knox, Kyle Knox, Tyler Mason, Tory Mason,

Teagan Mason, Dan Hansen, Miles Morris, Nick Olson

Honorary Pallbearers - Granddaughters:

Jessica Hansen, Stephanie Morris, Kristi Knox, Bailley Olson,

Paige Hermanson, Melissa Knox, Brittaney Knox

Military Honors:

Clay Kiser American Legion Post #92 - Redfield, SD

Paul A. Schleher VFW Post #2755 - Redfield, SD

SDARNG Military Honors - Watertown, SD

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