Duane A. Yager

Duane A. Yager, 82, of Spirit Lake, passed away Tuesday November 27, 2012, at Hilltop Care Center in Spirit Lake. Duane was born in Mountain Lake, Minnesota, as the only child of William Albert and Minnie May (Hartman) Yager. Duane met his wife to be, Lois Emily Cooper, in the fall of 1947. They were married March 27, 1951. Duane enlisted in the United States Air Force when the Korean War was underway. He was transferred to Kisarazu Air Force Base in Japan. In December of 1954, he received an Honorable Discharge from the Air Force. Duane purchased Lake Street Service in 1958. He sold live bait, fishing tackle, coffee shop, a gift shop and Christmas trees. He sold the business in 1961. In 1966, Duane became a dispatcher for the City of Spirit Lake. In August of that year he was appointed to the Spirit Lake Police Department as a Patrol Officer. In 1968, he was appointed Captain of the Police Department. In January of 1976 Duane was appointed Chief of Police, a position he held until retiring in 1997. In November of 1997, he was elected to the Spirit Lake City Council. Duane was on several boards for many years. Duane has been a lifetime resident of Spirit Lake and added immeasurably to the quality of life in Spirit Lake. He has never turned away from a project because it was difficult or unpopular or because others told him it was unattainable. He raised his children in a fair and caring manner and spent as many hours teaching, mentoring, and caring for many other troubled children in the community. Duane has been a role model for all who have had contact with him, children and adults alike. Duane's entire life has been in selfless community service, first in his work then in retirement. Duane is survived by his wife Lois Yager of Spirit Lake; one son William (Samantha) Yager of Norwalk, Iowa; three daughters Kim (Terry) Hain of Paullina, Iowa, Kathy (Lonnie) Saunders of Okoboji, Iowa, and Jill (Pat) Boline of Alexandria, Minnesota; and six grandchildren, Forrest Saunders, Bridgette Hain, Amber Hain, Dillon Hain, Hadley Boline and Jackson Boline. Duane was preceded in death by his parents William and Minnie. Duane Yager was a husband, father, grandfather and community member who loved, protected, guided us all, with a genuine smile and warm heart. But he has left us with a brightened path his torch once lit. We are so proud to have you as a husband, father, and grandfather. We love you so much and will miss you until we meet again.

Duane A. Yager

February 23, 1930 - November 27, 2012