Lorene Heindel Duenwald, 67, of Mitchell passed away October 1, 2014, at Mitchell, SD.

Lorene Anne Catherine Heindel Duenwald was born September 30, 1947 in Hot Springs, SD to Roy and Rose (Sweeney) Heindel. She started school in Hot Springs, SD, the old elementary school, now the History Museum in Hot Springs. Lorene's parents and neighbors re-opened Maitland School where she attended school through 8th grade. She attended three years at Hot Springs High School, and her senior year at St. Martin's Academy near Rapid City, graduating in 1965.

Following high school Lorene worked at the Sister's Hospital in Hot Springs and attended nursing classes in Kearney, NE. She entered a catholic convent in Denver, but health issues halted her education. Lorene spent several years working in geriatric care living with and caring for elderly home-bound individuals.

Lorene met the love of her life, Dean Duenwald, and they married August 15, 1984. Their home was in Pierre, SD. They traveled for many years going to Washington, DC, Arizona, Tennessee, and Switzerland. They loved to go to rodeos, concerts and even took a cruise. They loved the Black Hills and visits to Lorene's home place at Hot Springs. Lorene was President of the Pierre Chapter of NAMI and supported NAMI events the remainder of her life. After losing her husband in 2006, Lorene moved to her final loving home, Crystal Manor in Mitchell, SD.

She is survived by sisters, LaDonna Burgess of Willcox, AZ and Mary Kaplan of Mt. Juliet, TN; beloved nephews, Leo Heindel of Rapid City, SD, George and JD Burgess of Goodyear, AZ, Quentin Kaplan of Los Angeles, CA and nieces, Audrey Russell of Mt. Juliet, TN, Linda Foster of New Underwood, SD and many long-time friends.

Preceding her in death were her parents, husband, Dean and brother, Leslie.

Visitation will be 10:00 a.m. to noon, Thursday, October 9, 2014, at Bittner Funeral Chapel, Mitchell, SD, and 11:00 a.m. to noon, Friday, October 10, 2014, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 1049 Howard Street, Sturgis, SD.

A Committal Service will follow at 1:00 p.m. at the Black Hills National Cemetery, Sturgis, SD. Following the service, family and friends are invited to gather at the Golden Corral, 1180 N Lacrosse St, Rapid City, SD.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Cascade Volunteer Fire Department, 27974 Cascade Rd, Hot Springs, SD 57747 or any NAMI Chapter. Arrangements are under the direction of Bittner Funeral Chapel, Mitchell, SD.