Duane Friez

Duane Friez, 80, of Spearfish, S.D., passed away on Sunday, March 9, 2014, at his home.

He was born March 16, 1933, to Joe and Anna (Krause) Friez in Mott, N.D. A South Dakota native, he was raised in Thunderhawk and Lemmon, S.D.

He was united in marriage to Ruth Sittner in 1955 and to this union a daughter, Audrey, was born in 1956 and a son, Wayde, was born in 1958. The couple farmed in the Lemmon and Thunderhawk area in the early years of their marriage. They moved to Newell, S,D,, where he pursued a career in the banking industry with First National Bank of the Black Hills. He worked for First National Bank at Newell a few years before transferring to the Sturgis branch. Later, he transferred to the First National Bank in Rapid City where he held the position of Vice President of Commercial Loans.

In 1976 he and Ruth moved to Glasgow, and chartered a new bank, Treasure State Bank, the charter of which was considered to be an exemplar charter with the State of Montana. He and Ruth chartered a second bank in Glendive, and he soon retired from banking due to health issues.

He and Ruth moved to LaFollette, Tenn., where they took up fishing full time and spent joyful and precious time with their grandchildren. They moved back to the Black Hills in 1998 and settled in Spearfish, where he became a real estate agent for Century 21. He was involved in various organizations wherever he lived. He loved people and was a great jokester and storyteller.

He was preceded in death by a sister, Doris Friez Knutson; and Audrey's son, Austin Amedei.

Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Ruth Friez; a son, Wayde Friez, and his wife, Beverly; a daughter, Audrey Thompson, and her husband, Mike; four grandchildren, Kyle and Chelsea Friez and Ryan and Katie Smith; sisters-in-law, Alice Heinrich, and Eileen Reed and her husband, Rodney; six nieces and four nephews; and a very special family friend and caregiver, Peggy Lamb.

Cremation has taken place and a celebration of Duane's life will be taking place this spring. A memorial has been established to benefit Hospice of the Northern Hills.

Condolences may be sent to: Duane Friez Memorial, 835 West Hill Street, #203, Spearfish, SD 57783.

Online condolences may be written at http://www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com Isburg Funeral Chapels in Spearfish is in charge of arrangements.