Jesus reached out his hand and said "Come with me, I have prepared for you a paradise in Heaven." With that promise, Duane quietly left his hospital bed, took Jesus' hand and went with him. Duane Allen Coffing was born October 14, 1928 in Regent, ND to Ralph and Margaret (Novak) Coffing. In a few years time he was joined by three sisters. His earliest years were spent on a small farm in the Regent area. However, as with so many others, the "dirty 30's" and "dust bowl" years took its toll on trying to eke out a living, so the family moved to Butte, MT where Ralph worked in the copper mines. Duane finished his schooling in Butte. At age 17, he joined the Air Force on March 11, 1946 and was discharged March 11, 1949 after reaching the rank of Staff Sgt. His military service was a highlight of his early life. Duane always felt everyone has a duty to serve others. So, subsequently, he became a lifelong member of the VFW Post 1273 in Rapid City. While in the service and stationed at Rapid City Air Force Base, now known as Ellsworth, Duane met ala "blind date," Delores Kistler. They fell in love and on April 24, 1949 they were married. For a year they lived in Chicago while he was finishing up some schooling. As with most people, life is a pursuit of happiness with some sorrows. On May 19, 1950 their precious baby daughter, Vicki Sue joined the angels. Six weeks later, Duane received a telegram from Uncle Sam ordering him back into the Air Force for the Korean conflict. After serving another year overseas he again was discharged. He returned to Rapid City where he and his wife again set up housekeeping and family life. On June 8, 1952, Sherilyn joined the family and on August 28, 1953, twins Glenn and Gail made their appearance. God is good! Blessing them with a young family and God's entrusting into their care the raising of these 3 little ones into adulthood. To provide for his family, Duane worked at Hills Materials Co. for 40 years, retiring at the end of 1990. During this time the family enlarged by in-laws and grandchildren. After retirement, Duane and wife did some traveling, including several cruises and enjoying the rewards God gave them. They also spent many hours at the Minneluzahan Senior Center enjoying the company. Duane worked with his flowers in the spring and summer. For nearly twenty years, Duane and wife went to Post 22 games. They had a box seat from which they tried to educate the umpires. They had nearly 60 years of married life together. God is good! Duane left us Dec. 21, 2008. He is survived by his wife, Delores, son Glenn (Donna) Coffing, daughter, Sherilyn Coffing, daughter, Gail (Bruce) Hise, all of Rapid City, sisters, Beverly (Glenn) Mayo, Lancaster, CA, Georgia Ann (Harley) Weer, Silverton, MT, Jocelyn (Dana) Grendell, Palmer, AK; four grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Vicki Sue. Services will be Monday, Dec. 29, at 10:00 A.M. at the Open Bible Christian Center with Reverend Les Potts officiating. A public viewing with fellowship with the family will be from 2:00 to 4:00 Sunday, Dec. 28, at the Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home and one hour before the services at the church. A memorial has been established for the Open Bible Christian Center Academy. Burial will be with military honors at Black Hills National Cemetery.