Duane Paul Van Rooyen was born March 6, 1963, in Kadoka, South Dakota to John and Mary Ann (Oldenkamp) Van Rooyen. He grew up in Murdo before moving to Philip where he attended his senior year of high school and graduated in 1981.

Duane attended Black Hills State College where he studied radio and television. He then moved back to Philip and worked at KGFX part time. In 1989 Duane started working at Elk Motel then Knights for Richard Hauk until July 2003.

From August 2003 until January 2013 he worked at the Days Inn in Pierre along with working part time at WalMart. Duane was a full time night auditor at the Days Inn until late January 2013.

In May 2013 he started PTI Professional Transportation Inc. as a driver until health reasons forced his retirement on July 8, 2013. After a month in the hospital he moved to the Gateway Apartments in August 2013 where he has since resided.

He was a big John Wayne fan and collector of John Wayne movies. Duane also had a passion for reading.

Survived by four sisters, Grace Reid and husband Jim of Maple Lake, MN, Karen Van Rooyen of Pierre, SD, Carol Ireland and husband Ray of Aberdeen, Donna Bendigo and husband Cody of Howes Corner, SD, and nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Preceded in death by both maternal and paternal grandparents, his dad John Van Rooyen, his mom Mary Ann Van Rooyen and his older brother David Van Rooyen

Cremation will take place and services will be held at a later date.