Duane Alan Lei, 62 years old , passed on to celebrate his Birthday in heaven by his Dads side on September 17, 2021. Funeral Services for Duane will be on Saturday, September 25th at 11:00 am at the Old School Gymnasium in Buffalo, SD with P astor Tom Martin officiating.  Burial will follow in the Pine Slope Cemetery in Belle Fourche.  Services will be livestreamed on Facebook.  We will add the link 1/2 hour before services.  We will be live-streaming on Duane Lei Facebook account if you'd like to join us for his services

Duane Alan Lei was born on September 17, 1959 in Belle Fourche, SD . The first born son of Jerry & Fern ( Hillestad ) Lei. He grew up on the family Ranch 11 miles east of Redig , SD. He attended Redig Country School from 1 st – 8 th grade . During these years he was told many times by h is Teacher "stop your day dreaming because you 'll never make any money looking out the window!" in true Duane fashion he sure proved her wrong.

While attending High School in Harding County, he worked for Henderson Oil, pumping gas , fixing tires and changing oil. At the age of 17 , his life of trucking began, this happened when he started trucking for Junior Bail. In 1981, he met his match Tammy Belden in Buffalo, SD .  In 1983 they welcomed daughter Stormy Jayde , they were a family. In 1984, they were married in Buffalo SD , then in 1985 their son Jerry Duane was born , which made them a family of four . T ammy and Duane raised their children on the Pitchfork Ranch near Redig while Duane worked for D&S Construction in Buffalo part time.

In 1990, the true love of his life came along. A 1986 - 359 Peterbilt . This dynamic du o put on many miles hauling cows across the Nation . Duane leased on with East West Motor Express Company out of Black Hawk, SD in the 90's . During this time he met many of his lifelong friends.

In 2008, h e parked his beloved truc k , and hired on to Arnold Machinery in Gillette, WY.

After a year and ½ , Duane went back to trucking for Waggoners , Casper WY Hub. He h ad a passion for trucking and was a stranger to very few. Sometime along the road of this adventure Duane and buddies were often referred to as the South Dakota Mafia, this stuck and he was proud to b e part of this group of fellow truckers and friends.

Over the years and the many miles of his career , Duane received many awards, honors and achievements such as The Million Mile Award - Black Hills Gold Ring, numerous Safety Awards , along with several High Mile Achievement plaques, some buckles and most recently Most Mile - Stepdeck for 2 years running. His professional awards were highly held by him, but they couldn't compare to his memories made with his friends & family. He loved spending time with his family and especially enjoyed watching his Grandchildren participate in sports and their favorite hobbies . Duane enjoyed riding his motorcycle , sharing stories with an ice tea in hand or catching up over cold beer. As he gracefully aged he transitioned from Happy Hour to Coffee with the C rew. Duane brought so much joy to others , so much more than he even knew. His contagious smile and layed back sty le , could be spotted from across any room . Duane was blessed with many good friends is his life, these friends hips were meaningful and he c herished ever y single one of them . He could always find someone he knew wherever he went. The new day always brought on new adventures. He enjoyed living life as an adventure and will be remembered by so many because of an adventure,

In April of 2021, Duane parked his truck for the last time to help out on the Family Ranch in Redig , alongside his folks and brother Chip. Being back home was very re w arding and meant so much to him to have the opportunity to see his W ife, Chilldren & Grandchildren dail y . His family brought him joy and after so many years of being on the road this was a blessing , Duane was thankful for that everyday . Being back Home gave him the opportunity to reconnect with old friends and spend time with many family members. The memories and stories will be cherished. He was a proud Grand p a, h is pride and joy where the "Great 8 " - their Grandchildren: Skyler, Sorrel, Sylver , and Stockton Nation, Blaise, Blake, Baicyn , and Baylor Lei . So many wonderful memories were made with Grandpa , they will be cherish and all will hold dear.

Duane is survived by h is wife of 37 years , Tammy , Daughter Stormy (Steve) Nation and children , Son Jerry (Cara) Lei and children all of Buffalo, SD . His parents Fern & Doug Olson of Redig , SD.  Brothers Doug L ei (Crystal) and Chip Olson. Sisters, Kim Crago (Scott Shelley) and Cindy (Dave) Gackle. Several neices and nephews.

Duane was preceded in death by his Father Jerry Lei.