Duane M. Sorlie, 70, Dickinson, ND, was called to Heaven on Monday, February 18, 2008 at the St. Luke’s Home, Dickinson. Duane’s funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, February 23, 2008 at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, Dickinson with Rev. Steven Tangen and rev. Lisa Lewton officiating. Interment will take place at the Black Hills National Cemetery, Sturgis, SD, on Monday, February 25, 2008 at 10 a.m., with Chaplain Willard Olsen presiding. Military honors will be provided by the Veterans Drill Team following the service on Saturday. Visitation will be from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m., Friday at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson and will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Saturday. There will be a prayer service at 7 p.m., Friday at Ladbury Funeral Service.
Duane Merlin Sorlie was born March 30, 1937 at Lemmon, SD, the son of Merlin and Emma (Stelter) Sorlie. He was raised and educated in Lemmon. He joined the South Dakota National Guard where he proudly served for 33 years. From September 1, 1961 to August 7, 1962 Duane was called into active duty with the United States Army.
Duane married Karen Johnson on March 29, 1957 at Lemmon and in 1967 they moved to Dickinson. He worked as a salesmen throughout his life with Nabisco and Tavis Candy Company. Duane also did auto body repair (for three years had his own shop in Hettinger), and most recently worked for BJ Services. He retired on August 3, 2007 due to failing health.
Duane belonged to the American Legion. He enjoyed reading, NASCAR racing, western movies, working in the yard and country western music. His true enjoyment came from being with his family, especially his grandchildren.
Duane is survived by his wife, Karen; their three children, Jim (Kitty) Sorlie, Billings, MT, Shari (Bill) Fuchs, Dickinson, and Jodi (Tim) Lindemann, Dickinson; four grandchildren, Nicole Tavis, Steven Sorlie, Michael Tavis and Samantha Sorlie; his mother-in-law, Marge Johnson, Hettinger; sister-in-law, Betty (Rich Lindstrom)Wieland, Fargo, ND; and two nephews, John and Curt. He was preceded in death by his parents, one son, Michael, and his father-in-law, Henry Johnson.