DUANE COX
2018-02-14Sioux Falls - Duane Robert Cox of Sioux Falls, SD passed away on February 14, 2018 while at his home in Ft. Meyers, Florida. He was 74 years old.
Duane is survived by his loving wife, Karyn (Hartnett) Cox also of Sioux Falls, two daughters, Michelle Hammer (husband Blane) of Minneapolis, MN, Wendy Tauke (husband Ken) of Rock Island, IL; four sons, Jason (wife Pam), Ryan (wife Kerri), Darin (wife Janet) and Adam (wife Diane) all of Sioux Falls. Duane was also a proud grandfather of 18 grandchildren whom he spent much time around. Duane is also survived by his mother in law, Campy Hartnett of Sioux Falls and a sister, Bev Cleveland of Presho, SD. He is preceded in death by his parents Robert and Esther Cox of Presho, sister Helen and husband Al along with their infant daughter.
Duane was born on February 10, 1944 in Pierre, SD to Robert and Esther Cox. After attending Presho schools and farming alongside his dad, he went on to South Dakota State University where he met Karyn Hartnett. They wed on May 15, 1965. The pair moved to the first of many homes in and around Presho where he farmed over the next 20+ years. Over that time, he and Karyn welcomed two daughters and four sons. In addition to owning and operating a very successful farming business, Duane also was a member of Kiwanis Club, the school board, and bank board.
In 1987 Duane and Karyn sold their farm and home to moved to Sioux Falls, along with their three remaining sons still at home. Because he had always had such a strong work ethic, retirement was put off when he decided to become an apartment owner. Soon after, his oldest son, Jason, stepped in as his property manager and righthand man, a position which Jason still assumes. Eventually Duane became better with the idea of retirement and could be found playing golf and traveling around the United States. After enduring too many South Dakota winters, be bought a second home in Ft. Meyers, FL where he spent at least five months a year at. He loved hosting friends and especially his kids and their families there at various times. Duane was also an active member of his church, Christ the King, in Sioux Falls. He was a eucharistic minister and delivered communion at mass.
A visitation will be held at Heritage Funeral Home in Sioux Falls on Friday February 23rd at 6:00 followed by a prayer service from 7-7:30. Funeral will be on Saturday February 24 at 10:30 at Christ the King Catholic Church in Sioux Falls.
Duane will be remembered by family and friends as a caring, loving, hardworking, self -made man and hero. He sacrificed time with his loved ones to forge a better life for them and didn't expect anything in return. Many would describe him as someone who held no agenda and always took a sincere interest in anyone he met.
In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to Sioux Falls Catholic Schools or Feeding South Dakota.
www.heritagesfsd.com
Duane is survived by his loving wife, Karyn (Hartnett) Cox also of Sioux Falls, two daughters, Michelle Hammer (husband Blane) of Minneapolis, MN, Wendy Tauke (husband Ken) of Rock Island, IL; four sons, Jason (wife Pam), Ryan (wife Kerri), Darin (wife Janet) and Adam (wife Diane) all of Sioux Falls. Duane was also a proud grandfather of 18 grandchildren whom he spent much time around. Duane is also survived by his mother in law, Campy Hartnett of Sioux Falls and a sister, Bev Cleveland of Presho, SD. He is preceded in death by his parents Robert and Esther Cox of Presho, sister Helen and husband Al along with their infant daughter.
Duane was born on February 10, 1944 in Pierre, SD to Robert and Esther Cox. After attending Presho schools and farming alongside his dad, he went on to South Dakota State University where he met Karyn Hartnett. They wed on May 15, 1965. The pair moved to the first of many homes in and around Presho where he farmed over the next 20+ years. Over that time, he and Karyn welcomed two daughters and four sons. In addition to owning and operating a very successful farming business, Duane also was a member of Kiwanis Club, the school board, and bank board.
In 1987 Duane and Karyn sold their farm and home to moved to Sioux Falls, along with their three remaining sons still at home. Because he had always had such a strong work ethic, retirement was put off when he decided to become an apartment owner. Soon after, his oldest son, Jason, stepped in as his property manager and righthand man, a position which Jason still assumes. Eventually Duane became better with the idea of retirement and could be found playing golf and traveling around the United States. After enduring too many South Dakota winters, be bought a second home in Ft. Meyers, FL where he spent at least five months a year at. He loved hosting friends and especially his kids and their families there at various times. Duane was also an active member of his church, Christ the King, in Sioux Falls. He was a eucharistic minister and delivered communion at mass.
A visitation will be held at Heritage Funeral Home in Sioux Falls on Friday February 23rd at 6:00 followed by a prayer service from 7-7:30. Funeral will be on Saturday February 24 at 10:30 at Christ the King Catholic Church in Sioux Falls.
Duane will be remembered by family and friends as a caring, loving, hardworking, self -made man and hero. He sacrificed time with his loved ones to forge a better life for them and didn't expect anything in return. Many would describe him as someone who held no agenda and always took a sincere interest in anyone he met.
In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to Sioux Falls Catholic Schools or Feeding South Dakota.
www.heritagesfsd.com
Published in The Argus Leader on Feb. 21, 2018