Delbert "Duke" Meyer

Delbert "Duke" Helmuth Meyer, age 97, of Redfield, SD, passed away surrounded by family on Monday, March 2, 2026, at the Eastern Star Home in Redfield.

His services will be held on Monday, March 9, at the Redfield Methodist Church in Redfield. Visitation will be from 9:30 to 10:30 AM, with his funeral service starting at 10:30 AM. Pastor Melissa Rowenhorst will officiate. Burial, with military honors, will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery in Redfield. After the committal service, lunch and fellowship will take place in the church hall.

Duke's funeral service will be live-streamed through a link on the funeral home's website below his obituary. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hyke Funeral Home of Redfield (www.hykefuneralhome.com).

Delbert "Duke" Meyer was born on September 29, 1928, to Julius and Louise (Heckenlaible) Meyer in Highmore, SD. He was the 5th of 10 children. He attended school in Holabird, SD, through the 8th grade. After he graduated from the 8th grade, he and a friend set out for California. Duke returned after several months, realizing California was not for him. California is where he picked up his lifelong nickname "Duke".

In 1950, he enlisted in the Air Force as an Aero Med Specialist. He flew back and forth from Hawaii to Japan to tend to soldiers who were injured in the Korean conflict.

In 1952, he married Nancy Wheeler in Ashland, NH. They returned to Hawaii until his discharge in 1954. After his discharge, they spent time in Faulkton, SD, Miranda, SD, Albuquerque, NM. Then back to Miranda, before making Redfield their permanent home.

Duke took a mechanic job at Service Motors, the local Ford Dealership in 1956. He became the service manager in 1958 and stayed there until he retired in 1993.

Duke was a member ot the Redfield Methodist Church. He served on the board of trustees for many years. He was also the maintenance man, janitor, and groundskeeper.

Duke was involved with the VFW and American Legion organizations. He is a past commander of both organizations. He served on the honor guard. Duke was a volunteer fireman. Duke spent many hours working as a Mason and Shriner. He received his 50-year pin from the Masons in 2025. Working at the circus and transporting children to the Shrine Hospital were his favorite jobs. He was also a proud member of the Foot Patrol, where he could show off his marching skills.

Duke is survived by his five children: Gary of Payullup, WA, Karen Edmiston of Lady Lake, FL, Sandy Massa of Rapid City, SD, John (Amy) Meyer of Rapid City, and Kevin (Sonia) Meyer of Redfield, 11 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild, and his last sibling Robert Meyer, of Orient, SD.

He was preceded in death by his wife Nancy, his parents, brothers, Ervin Meyer, Leo Meyer, Wilbur Meyer, Fred Meyer, and sisters, Leonna Brooks, Charmaine Schmille, Delores Shepherd, and Shirley Leigh.