Duane Lewis Straw of Hill City, SD passed away on the morning of September 6th, 2023. Duane passed with his loving wife, Brenda Straw, by his side in their home. Duane and Brenda met in the summer of 1980 and Duane was immediately taken by Brenda. Duane fell in love with Brenda for her kind soul, witty personality, and beauty (inside and out). Brenda fell in love with Duane for his big heart, caring nature, and those beautiful blue eyes. Duane and Brenda would have been married for 42 years on October 24th.
Duane was born May 11 in Wallace, ID to the parents of Loite and Viola Straw. Duane grew up with his 11 other siblings in Hill City, SD. Annette and husband Duane, Hill City, SD. Floyd Straw and Mary of Fairburn, SD. Donna Coppess, Bellefourche, SD. Donald Straw, Rapid City, SD. Donavin Straw, Bridgewater, SD. Diane Vanderbeek and Gene, Provo, SD. Bonnie Goodroad, Nisland, SD. Dennis and Kiki Straw, Hill City, SD. Brothers deceased. Danny Straw, Hill City, SD. Ronnie Straw, Hill City, SD. Derwin Straw, Rapid City, SD.
Duane was a Driller and Blaster for many years. He worked Drilling and Blasting for Pacer Corporation, road construction, and spent the last 25 years of his career at Crazy Horse Memorial. He retired in 2016. Duane always spoke fondly about his time at Crazy Horse. He loved discussing the monument and you could tell how passionate he was about the work he did there. His wife Brenda put together a wall of pictures in his man cave, honoring Duane and all his years at Crazy Horse. She wanted him to know how proud she was of him. Duane was honored to know and work with the Ziolkowski family and his colleagues at Crazy Horse Memorial.
Duane was the proud father of two children Justin Straw and Amanda Jefferies. Amanda and her husband Ian live in Aurora, CO. Amanda, just like her father, always wanted to help people, and works for a national nonprofit organization that serves first-time low-income families. Justin and his husband Erick live in Box Elder and are the owners of Justin Straw Designs, which is one of the most reputable wedding companies in the Black Hills. One relative said that when Duane spoke of his kids you could always see in his eyes how proud of them he was. Duane was the loving grandfather of Elena, Dominick, Exavior, and Dayzee Long Wolf Straw. Duane loved his grandkids and was delighted to watch them succeed in all their endeavors.
Duane was loved by many and had several lifelong friends (you know who you are) who became family over the years. Duane loved swimming in Spring Creek, climbing Black Elk Peak & Mt. Baldy and enjoyed all the beauty of the Black Hills. But the thing Duane loved the most was throwing back a few beers with his family and friends and sharing a few laughs in his man cave. The family will celebrate Duane's life and his passing with a memorial late spring 2024, at his Man Cave and home. The family will provide more details as the time comes.
We love and miss you tremendously Duane.
