Duane D. Hickman

DUANE DONALD HICKMAN was born on January 30, 1935 to Donald and Marian (Bush) Hickman at the hospital in Ellsworth, Minnesota. He was raised on the family farm two miles east of town and attended country school through the eighth grade. Following his education he continued to work for the family dairy and grain farming operation. On June 3, 1957 he was drafted into the United States Army and was stationed in Crailsheim, Germany until his honorable discharge on May 31, 1960. He then returned home to the farm and the life he enjoyed so well. While on a blind date to Lake Okoboji, Iowa on July 4th, 1960 Duane met his future bride, Doris Newquist. On October 1, 1961 the couple was united in marriage at St. John’s Lutheran Church in May City, Iowa. They would forevermore celebrate the July 4th Anniversary. Duane and Doris built their home on the family farmstead and raised their two daughters, Deanne and Kristie. Duane continued his dedication to the farm and his animals. He also took great pride in his work and passed many life lessons on to his children, including the importance of doing a job well, and working hard from start to finish. In the fall of 1999, Duane formally retired from the work on the farm. He continued to take meticulous care of the acreage, especially when it came to the mowing. He also took extra care of his dog and cats. In February 2010, Duane and Doris moved to Hartford, South Dakota to be closer to family. On Thursday, February 28, 2013 Duane died peacefully surrounded by his family at the Sanford Medical Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota at the age of 78 years and 28 days.

Duane was a lifelong member of Zion Presbyterian Church in Ellsworth, where he was baptized, confirmed and served many years as a Deacon. He enjoyed fishing, watching television, and woodworking. He lived life with a good sense of humor and a positive spirit. He also tried to be a good and faithful servant to his God.

He is lovingly remembered by his wife of 51 years, Doris; two daughters, Deanne Vortherms of Sioux Falls, Kristie (Jim) Vortherms of Hartford; five grandchildren, Connor and McKenzie Vortherms, Serena (John) Slatinsky, Luke and Matthew Vortherms; three siblings, Beverly Moore of Edina, Minnesota, Marilee (Bob) Elsholtz of St. Paul, Minnesota, and Carolee (Tyler) Gill of Meridian, Idaho; and other family. He was preceded in death by his parents; son-in-law, Jeff Vortherms; and brother-in-law, Howard Moore.