Duane E. Pavlish, 62, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, passed away on March 20, 2016. He was born on July 29, 1953, in Crete, Nebraska, to Edward and Mildred (Koll) Pavlish. Duane was the oldest of six children. He was baptized and confirmed at the Dorchester Methodist Church. He attended Evergreen Country School District 25 through the 8th grade near the farm home southeast of Dorchester. As a youth he was active in 4-H, Junior Leaders, he raised rabbits and livestock and showed beef at the county fairs. He helped on the family farm and participated in Tractor Pulls with 4430 John Deere. Duane graduated from Dorchester High School in May of 1971, and attended SCC Milford and graduated with a degree in Building Construction. Duane spent several years farming, was a Cargill Seed Salesman, and spent his time building many small farm buildings as well as remodeling the farm home. Duane spent 15 years as a Building Inspector in Lincoln, NE, and was a member of the Cornhusker Ski Club, and Jayco Camping Club before retiring to Branson, MO. Duane enjoyed his retirement while constructing a log home, was a member of the Branson Emergency Response Team, and traveled to many places as a Travel Ambassador for Fantasy RV Tours.

Duane was preceded by his parents, Edward and Mildred Pavlish; brother, Don Pavlish; sisters, Nancy Liska and Nyla Pavlish; daughter-in-law, Melissa Beth Pavlish.

He is survived by his children, Chris Pavlish and his fiancee, Deanne of Lincoln, Ryan and Erin Pavlish of Waco, Rene and Casey Taft of Lincoln; grandchildren, Jacob Pavlish, Henry Pavlish, Audrey and Zoey Taft; Special Friend, Marlene McWilliams; brother, Neal and Carolyn Pavlish of Crete; sister, Marlene and Scott Lentfer of Kearney; mother of Duane's children, Carol Pavlish; many nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be 10:30 AM on Thursday, March 24, 2016 at Kuncl Funeral Home, Crete with the Reverend Roger Wolfe officiating. Visitation with family greeting friends Wednesday, 6-8 PM at the funeral home. Memorials care of family for future designation. Interment at Wilber Czech Cemetery, Wilber. Condolences may be left at kunclfh.com.