Duane Schneider, 71, Garrison, died on Monday, January 8, 2018 at his home. A memorial gathering will be held on Saturday from 10:00 am until Noon at Thompson Funeral Home in Garrison. Burial will be held on Saturday at 3:30 pm at Spring Valley Cemetery in Pollock, SD.
Duane was born December 11, 1946 in Walworth County, SD to Arthur and Bertha (Rypkema) Schneider. He was raised and educated in Linton, ND, graduating from Linton High School in 1965. He continued his education at Dickinson State University graduating with a Bachelor's Degree in 1969 with a degree in Education. While in high school and college, Duane excelled as an athlete, especially in basketball.
Duane married Diana Stull on December 29, 1972 in Bismarck, ND. They moved to Garrison in 1981, where Duane taught science at Garrison High School. Duane and Diana had three children, Scott, Karri, and Dusty. Duane and Diana later divorced and continued to live in Garrison.
While teaching in Garrison, Duane was also the Garrison High School Girls Basketball Coach for several years. He had a love for all sports, but basketball was his true passion. His health, unfortunately, kept him from coaching, but his love for the game kept him attending as many games as he could, and he was never afraid of sharing his knowledge and excitement with anyone that would listen.
Even in his retirement, Duane spent many days as a substitute teacher in Garrison, Max, and White Shield. He truly enjoyed being involved with children, as he was a bit of a big kid himself. As much as he liked staying busy, Duane always took time to fish, especially after he retired. In his later years, he took up spear fishing northern pike, and couldn't wait to sit down with someone and talk about his new hobby!
Duane is survived by his daughter, Karri (Joe) Kerzmann, and their children, Kaylee and Tanner Kerzmann, Dusty (Brandee) Schneider, and their children, Destiny and Angel Schneider; daughter-in-law, Carey Schneider; nephew Chad (Cheryl) Schneider; and niece, Lisa Schneider.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his son, Scott Schneider, and his brother, Gerald "Luger" Schneider.