Merleen Duxbury

Merleen Duxbury, age 95, of Howard, passed away Tuesday, February 1, 2022. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM, Saturday, February 5, 2022, at the Holy Three Kings Catholic Church in Epiphany. Inurnment will be held at a later date at the church cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to services on Saturday.

Merleen Eich was born July 8, 1926, to George and Catherine (Gassman) Eich. She attended elementary school in Epiphany and high school at Burbank Consolidated School near Epiphany. Upon graduation, Merleen spent two years in service to her country during WWII. She sold war bonds at the Merchandise Mart in Chicago. Upon return home, she met and married Max Duxbury on November 9, 1948. The couple lived in the Canova area their entire lives except for two years that Max helped his father in his farming operation near Hurley. Upon Max’s death in 1994, Merleen moved to Howard. She worked at the Howard School and at the Children’s Care Center. Working with young people kept her young. She had fond memories of all the children she worked with and cared for.

At the time of her passing, Merleen lived at Whispering Winds Senior Care Center in Howard.  She enjoyed playing Tripoli with her friends in Canova, bingo at the Senior Citizen’s Center in Howard and reading novels.

Merleen was very active in her community.  She was a member of the Canova Legion Auxiliary, Holy Three Kings Church in Epiphany and St. Agatha Church in Howard.

Those grateful for having shared her life are her three sons Ron (Rosemary) of Sioux Falls, Blaine (Robyn) of Vermillion, and Kevin of Sioux Falls. Also surviving Merleen are four grandchildren and one great grandchild. She is survived by her brother Glenn (Peggy) Eich of Sioux Falls; and sisters-in-law Shirley Eich of Rapid City and Lois Duxbury of Sioux Falls. She is survived by many special friends, including Tiffany (Glanzer) Dansby and Walt Dansby, and many cousins, nieces, nephews and relatives.

Merleen was preceded in death by her parents; husband Max; and three brothers Dennis, Dale and Darrell.

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