Duane Joseph Prais, a beloved husband, father, granddad, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away April 28, 2025, at the age of 69 at his home in Rapid City, South Dakota. Born May 27, 1955, in Dearborn, Michigan, Duane was the son of Eugene and Mildred “Millie” (Grzybowski) Prais. He lived a life filled with joy, kindness, with an unwavering passion for family and community. He leaves behind a legacy of love that will be carried on by those who knew him.
Duane and Cheryl (Kemp) Prais met through a mutual friend while both working in Wichita, Kansas fresh out of college. They married May 28, 1982, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Hill City, Kansas. Their union was a testament to enduring love as it was filled with shared experiences and countless memories. Together they raised three wonderful children: Teresa (Tony) Ohlmacher, Joseph (Jennifer) Prais, and Emily Prais, all of whom were the light of his life. As a dad, Duane was the first to play catch, volunteer for house projects, lend his truck for a move, mow anyone’s grass, or watch grandkids/grandpups. Also known by his kids as ‘The Captain’ of poop, pee and puke, he had no problems with the hands-on nature of fatherhood. He was a proud granddad, doting on his grandchildren—Arthur, Olive, and Iris Ohlmacher, and JoAnn and Juniper Prais—with an affection that knew no bounds.
Duane was known for his charismatic personality, quick wit, and a competitive spirit that made every interaction memorable. He possessed an innate ability to connect with anyone, you could say he never met a stranger, and his effervescent joy was contagious. He was known to leave friends and family in stitches with his card tricks and playful banter. Duane was a telepathic card trick ‘wizard’, a fervent euchre or cribbage player and a fierce competitor at any court, table or field. While he excelled at any sport, he was particularly drawn to racket sports. His presence undoubtedly brought smiles, and his enthusiasm for life was unparalleled. Whether he was coaching kids in sports, serving as HOA President, or volunteering in church ministries—such as youth ministry or Habitat for Humanity—Duane poured his heart into every endeavor.
Duane graduated from Divine Child High School in Dearborn, Michigan in 1973. Where he had the privilege of playing football under Coach Bill McCartney, who strongly impacted the course of his life. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan Technological University in 1978, which he fondly visited last October to commemorate the 50-year anniversary of his football team’s undefeated 9–0 season, and where he played as a linebacker. As an accomplished mechanical engineer, his professional accolades included impactful roles at Cargill, Engineered Seal Products, Able Technology, and Flowserve. He left a mark with both his expertise and leadership skills, as demonstrated by winning the “Spirit of FlowServe” award for seven consecutive years.
Duane’s commitment to his family extended beyond his immediate loved ones. He is survived by his siblings, Michael (Ellen) Prais, Robin (Sue) Prais, and Maureen Prais, and he held a special place in the hearts of his nieces and nephews: Matt Barnes, Blaine Barnes, Amy Snyder, Jason (Bree) Prais, Andy (Michelle) Prais, Megan (Caleb) Hon, and Matthew Prais. His warmth, support, and dedication to family made him an irreplaceable figure in all their lives.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Mildred Prais, mother and father-in-law, Virgil and Teresa Kemp, brother and sister-in-law William and Carol Barnes and nephew Jeff Snyder. Duane leaves a powerful legacy of love, kindness, and charisma. His friends and family will forever cherish the memories of laughter shared, stories told, and the countless moments that defined his remarkable life.
Duane Joseph Prais, your spirit will forever shine brightly in our hearts, and while you may no longer walk with us, your legacy of love, laughter, and kindness will continue to inspire.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated in his honor by his family and friends at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church May 1, 2025, at 11:30 A.M. in Rapid City, South Dakota followed by a Memorial Service and Burial May 3, 2025 at Stinemetz Funeral Home, Hill City, Kansas at 11:00 A.M.
Memorial for Duane is to the Graham County Ministerial Allliance Food Bank in care of Stinemetz Funeral Home, 522 N. Pomeroy Ave. Hill City, KS 67642.