Duane Curtis Froke
July 17, 1959 ~ February 29, 2020
Duane C. Froke, 60, Sioux Falls, died at the Veterans Hospital, Sioux Falls and was received into the arms of Jesus on Saturday, February 29, 2020.
A Celebration of Duane’s life will take place at 11:00am on Saturday, March 7, 2020 at Assembly of God Church, Brandon, SD. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service from 10-11am. With Full Military Honors following. Inurnment will be held at a later date.
Duane Curtis Froke was born on July 17, 1959 to Curtis and Thelma (Whitted) Froke, in Huron, South Dakota. As a child Duane was not allowed to crawl around the family’s café, so he would rock in his little chair watching everyone busy taking care of the customers. Duane was always paying attention to what was happening and soon learned to mimic his father’s ways of being a “joker”.
Duane always had a joke to tell, sometimes they were not what one would consider fit for children. He was a very social man, often being the “life of the party” and being the last to leave. Duane spent a great deal of his time perfecting his guitar playing and singing. He even recorded his music. His love for music didn’t stop with playing and singing, he loved to dance, and was quite good at it.
Duane and his two brothers often enjoyed motorcycle riding together. One motorcycle trip was to Willow Lake to visit their parents. During the trip Duane led the way for his brothers. He struck a pheasant with the mirror of his bike causing his brothers to have to ride through a cloud of feathers. This was not the only type of leading Duane did for his brothers. They both followed his lead in life and into the Marine Corp. Duane spent twenty-one years in the Marines. He was stationed in Okinawa, Egypt, Korea, California, Virginia, Arizona and Missouri. While in the Marines he received many awards including letters of appreciation, certificates of commendation and a good conduct medal. Duane finished his military career as a recruiter after being a motor transport operations chief.
Duane married Tammi Topp in 2003 and to their union was born one son, Curtis. Although, they eventually divorced they remained friends. He loved spending time with his family and friends.
Duane will be deeply missed by his children, Curtis, Emma and Maddie; five siblings, Carolyn Johansen, Corson, Irene (Cliff) Vandeweerd, Sioux Falls, SD, David Froke, Humbolt, SD, Mary (Robin) Pruitt, Tea, SD, Darwin Froke, Hull, IA; his mother, Thelma Froke, Brandon; special friend, Jeannie, Sioux Falls; several nieces and nephews along with a host of friends.
Duane was preceded in death by his father Curtis Froke
Online condolences at www.heartlandfunerals.com
Thelma and family,
Thinking of all of you. So glad we got to visit with a few of you the other day. Let your memories help you through the days to come. Sorry we won’t make it Saturday. Take Care
Our prayers are with you and your family, Darwin. I appreciate the stories about Duane that you shared with me. There was a lot of love and laughter there. May the love you’ve shared with him help you in this difficult time and may Jesus bring healing to the entire family’s hearts. Call me any time you might need to talk.
My condolences goes out to the entire family. I am still in stock that he is gone so can’t image how you feel. It was great seeing all the pictures, we will always remember him as the guy that could make you smile, even when you didn’t want to. Duane was the life of the party. I know that I didn’t see him for a long time but I thought about him often and just smiled. Duane will be greatly missed by so many. Please let me know if any of you need anything.