When Duane Struck, also known as Butch, passed earlier this year, all of his friends were devastated.
The 77-year-old man had grown up Montrose, SD, and he had married the love of his life, Bonnie, with whom she had three children.
The couple owned and operated Struck Oil Company for thirty years, until the early 1980s, when they moved to the farm where Butch and Bonnie resided.
Struck was not only a good businessman and farmer, but he was also a loving father and grandfather to his numerous grand- and great-grandchildren.
At the same time, he was loved by everyone in the local community.
As his best friend said, he was someone who was always willing to help others, and he often went above and beyond to make sure everyone was happy and felt supported.
“Butch was everybody’s friend,” Jeff Kapperman, his best friend, told Keloland News. “Whenever somebody needed something, Butch was there to do it. I mean, no questions asked, he showed up.”
Indeed, the late farmer was an active member of the local community.
More specifically he was a past Mayor of Humboldt, a member of the Humboldt Township board, the Humboldt Elevator Board, a Humboldt Threshing Bee Committee member, and a member of the Humboldt Volunteer Fire Department for over 40 years.
He was such a sweet person. He just loved his daily routine and enjoyed his morning coffee at the local cafe.
He also enjoyed fishing trips and participating in fun events with his family and friends.
When he suddenly passed in June, it was a shock for everyone around him.
“He was my best friend,” Kapperman said. “More than once, when I was having difficulties, had some problems of my own, he showed up to help me. We talked just about every day. It was really a shock when he passed away, but we all hope he’s in a better place.”
And just like he did when he was around, taking care of everyone and supporting his friends and fellow Humboldt residents, the local community decided to do something to give back to this amazing man, even if it was after his passing.
Farmers gathered in order to harvest the corn he had planted months earlier on his farm.
In fact, there were so many people that showed up to help that Struck’s family had to send some of them away.
A little over 500 acres of corn was what Struck left behind. The seeds that the farmer had planted in spring turned into corn and he was supposed to be harvesting it this fall. Only he’s not around anymore.
So, numerous tracks arrived at his farm to help harvest the corn. And it was such a heartwarming sight.
The man’s family couldn’t be more grateful, as they see how loved Butch really was.
It’s so good to see that people want to return the kindness they have once received.
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