Duane Martin Kleiman, age 77 of Custer, lost his long battle with cancer on December 12, 2013. He died at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Etta Mae; one son, Skip (Joyce) Kleiman, Dugway, UT; two daughters, Denise (Bob) Morgan, Pringle, SD; DeDee Kleiman; Piedmont, SD. He was blessed with 7 grandchildren, Nicholas Kleiman; Bob (Teri) Morgan, Jr.; Christopher Morgan; Justin Kleiman; Joshua Morgan; Kayla (Dustin) Brown and Tate Halverson. He had three great grandchildren, Trapper and Aniston Morgan, and Dextin Kleiman. One sister, Theresa Payne, Federal Way, WA; sister-in-law, Alice Kleiman, Cheyenne, WY, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents; parents, David and Lucille Kleiman; his brother, Hugh Kleiman.

Duane was born November 8, 1936, in Ann Arbor, MI. His early years were spent being loved and cared for by his grandmother and great-grandmother. He later moved to Chicago, IL to be with his parents. They later settled in Lead, SD, where he attended high school.

Duane joined the Marine Corp in 1954, discharging from active duty in 1957 where he attained the rank of corporal. He was in the Marine Corp. reserves from 1957- 1962.

On November 3, 1957, he married the love of his life; Etta Mae Seieroe. They began their life together in Custer. Duane was active with the Jaycee's, a Boy Scout leader, on a bowling league, a swimming instructor, ran for county commissioner, in his early years. He started a career in the grocery business with Red Owl and Nash Finch. The family moved around with his job, finally returning to Custer in 1969. Duane and Mae decided to open a daycare, where many children came in and out of their home. He was known "PaPa or Grandpa" by all that came.

Later, he began working for Custer Lumber Sawmill, as the manager. In 1973, he started a family business, Kleiman's Wood Products. He supplied molding and other wood products to local outlets.

His greatest joys were his family and friends. He loved to attend his children and grandchildren's events; whether it be a school play, a rodeo, or a wrestling match. One of his greatest pastimes was to play cribbage; he taught all of the kids and grandkids how to play. He spent many hours outside in the yard fussing with the garden and landscaping. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He had many great hunting and fishing adventures that he was happy to share with whoever would listen.
Duane was very fortunate with his battle of cancer. They told him he wouldn't make it a year, but he managed to survive for 21 years. He got the joy of celebrating their fiftieth wedding anniversary and his 75th birthday. He had the pleasure of seeing all of his grandchildren graduate high school, all of his children and 3 of his grandchildren's college graduations. He was blessed with being a part of several weddings, and the joy of having great-grandchildren. The great- grandchildren were a surprised joy for him. He loved each of them and relished the time he got to spend with them.

Duane believed in the statement, "Nothing is more intimidating than cancer. Nothing is more powerful than hope."

Duane was loved by everyone that crossed his path, whether he had known them forever or had only met them.

A wake will be held on the evening of December 15, 2013, at 7:00 p.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Custer.

Funeral services will be held December 16, 2013, at 10:00 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. A luncheon will be served by the Altar Society following the services in the church basement.

Burial will be held December 16, 2013, at 3:00 p.m., at the Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis, SD.

A memorial has been established.