Obituary of Duane R. Pokorney

Duane Robert Pokorney, son of Joseph and Elsie (Nedved) Pokorney, was born November 30, 1939 in Yankton, SD. He grew up there and graduated from Yankton High School. Following high school, he attended Yankton College for a time.  While he never got his bachelors degree, he did pick up several college credits over his life.

Duane was united in marriage with the love of his life Georgia Claire Wilson on August 17, 1963 in Yankton.

Duane was a “jack of all trades”. He had a varied and colorful work history. He worked at Clem’s Goodyear, ran a liquor store, owned his own landscape and sod business, drove school bus, fixed typewriters, managed a motel, and countless other odd jobs…whatever it took to bring home a paycheck for his family. 

Duane prided himself on being a South Dakotan. For him, there was nothing better than growing up in the Midwest. He valued the land and cherished the people and lifestyle.

Many know of Duane’s struggle with alcoholism, but also know he won his battle against the disease. He celebrated his 34th sobriety birthday on May 1, 2017.  Duane credited his family and his faith for getting and staying sober. His Catholic faith was something he cherished and he thanked God every day for his sobriety and his life and family.

Duane was always quick to a joke and he had an endless supply of them. He was the family storyteller, weaving together a narrative that had you engaged in the story with plenty of humor woven in.

Duane was that neighbor and friend that would give the shirt off his back and then turn around and mow your lawn. If he wasn’t helping someone out, he wasn’t being himself. Duane had that generosity of spirit that is rarely matched.

Duane was very proud of his Bohemian heritage and wore it like a badge of honor.

He fondly called himself a “bohunk”, especially after he had done something he would refer to as “boneheaded”.  And there was nothing Duane enjoyed more than a good debate with his children followed by lots of hugs and laughter.

                Duane’s greatest legacy was always his family—a dedicated and loving wife of 53 years, his 3 girls, and his 5 grandchildren who he couldn’t be more proud of. Duane enjoyed golfing, gardening, going to the casino, doing crosswords, spending time with his family, and especially his beloved wife.

While his death was sudden and unexpected, we know he was grateful to have shared his life with his wife, Georgia Pokorney, Viborg, SD; three daughters Jacque Pokorney (Alan Carlson), Saint Paul, MN; Mary Pokorney-Donelan (Brett Donelan), Monona, WI; and Jennifer Pokorney (Ed Panian), Norwalk, CT; and his five grandchildren Quinn, Shae, and Rya Donelan and Aidan and Eddie Panian.

Duane is also survived by his brothers Laddie (Minerva) Pokorney, Lakewood, CO; Don Pokorney, Sioux Falls; Larry (Juanita) Pokorney, Yankton; his sister Darlene Pokorney, Yankton; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Duane was preceded in death by his parents and his sister-in-law Kaye Pokorney.

In lieu of flowers, please donate money in memory of Duane Pokorney to the Pioneer Memorial Foundation, 315 N Washington St., PO Box 368, Viborg, SD 57070.