With love and gratitude, we celebrate the life of Duane Robert "Butch" Miller at Pukwana Free Lutheran Church in Pukwana, SD on September 6, 2025, at 10:30am. Burial will follow at Pukwana Community Cemetery. Lunch will be served at the church following the burial service.

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Duane (Butch) Robert Miller passed away on August 16, 2025, at the age of 86, surrounded by family.

Duane was born July 12, 1939, to Robert and Evelyn (Michalek) Miller. He grew up in Pukwana where his parents instilled in him the values of hard work and dedication. He graduated from Pukwana High School in 1957. One of his first jobs was working for Duane Briggs building and painting; however over the years he became known as a jack of all trades—and master of many. He worked construction for the BIA, co-founded D&R Busing with Ralph Pickner for the Chamberlain schools and owned and operated Pukwana Elevator. He farmed, did custom harvesting with his combines, ran three over-the-road trucks, and continued painting countless houses and barns. Duane was the last living person to help build Chamberlain's Best Western Motel in 1965, a proud reminder of his lifelong dedication to his craft.

On September 1, 1962, he married Linda Steckelberg, and together they created a home filled with love and laughter. They enjoyed their years together raising kids, traveling in the camper. Later in life they loved going for coffee, working on a good puzzle, or taking drive through the countryside. Duane and Linda especially enjoyed their memories of spending a few winters in Arizona with their dear friend Keith Grunert. Some of his greatest joys were spending time with family and driving the area school activities buses. He treasured those moments for the connections he created with family, students, and the community.

He also was an avid gardener and loved sharing fresh produce with anyone who would enjoy it. Friends and family remember Duane for his humor, his storytelling, and even his quirky adventures— in his earlier years he raised a pet turkey that refused to let the ladies leave the grocery store. He loved a good card game, especially with Uncle Vern and Shorty Michalek, and cherished every moment.

He is survived by his loving wife Linda, his children: Curtis (Lenny) Miller, Suzanne (Tim) Tarabetz, Don (Suzy) Miller, and Steve (Amanda) Miller; his grandchildren: Kim and Heidi; Derek and Sierra; Rhea, Pryce, Preston, Eskindir, Rayce, Brooks; Brystol, Blaise, and his great-grandchildren: Carson and Aspen, Hayden and Renner, and Angela. He is also survived by his brother Mike Miller, sister Barbara Knight, and brothers-in-law Delbert Shields, Duane (Sheryl) Steckelberg and David Steckelberg.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bob and Evelyn Miller: sister, Betty Shields: father and mother-in-law Ray and Madeline Steckelberg, brother-in-law, Hugh Knight; and sister-in-law, Patty Miller.