Duane Knittel

Duane Knittel age 87, of Menno passed away Sunday, October 4, 2026 at the Freeman Regional Hospital in Freeman. Visitation will be 5:00-7:00 pm with a 7:00 pm prayer service on Thursday, October 8, 2026 at the Opsahl-Kostel Memorial Chapel in Menno. Duane’s funeral service will be 10:30 am, Friday, October 9, 2026 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Menno with Rev. Brian Mosemann officiating. Burial will follow at the Menno Cemetery. Opsahl-Kostel Memorial Chapel of Menno is assisting the family with arrangements.

Duane Knittel, son of Richard and Adella (Pfeiffer) Knittel, was born on May 16, 1939, in Freeman, South Dakota. He was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran faith in Freeman, South Dakota.

Duane grew up in the Freeman area and attended Freeman Public School, graduating from Freeman High School in 1957. Following graduation, he proudly served his country in the United States Army and was stationed at Fort Jay in New York.

After completing his military service, Duane attended barber college and worked as a barber while pursuing higher education at the University of South Dakota at Springfield. He graduated in 1971 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. Duane enjoyed visiting with people so much that he chose to continue his profession as a barber, eventually establishing Mr. D's Styles and Cuts in Menno, South Dakota. After years of owning and operating the barbershop, he also began a career as a rural mail carrier, delivering mail during the day and cutting hair in the evenings.

On April 7, 1963, Duane was united in marriage to Gladys Wollman at Immanuel Lutheran Church by Rev. W. Wendling. Together they built a loving home and raised a wonderful family grounded in faith, hard work, and devotion to one another.

Duane is survived by his son, Lance (Melisa) Knittel of Spearfish, South Dakota; two grandchildren, Paxton and Carson Knittel; his brother, Donald (Barbara) Knittel of Freeman, South Dakota; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Gladys Knittel; his son, Shane Knittel; his parents, Richard and Adella Knittel; and his sister, Lavonne Knittel.

Duane will be remembered for his friendly personality, strong work ethic, and the genuine interest he took in the lives of others. Whether behind the barber chair, along his rural mail route, or spending time with family and friends, he enjoyed visiting with people and making lasting connections. His kindness, dedication, and sense of community will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

His chair is empty, but his stories live on.