Duane Rumpca

Duane “Dewey” Francis Rumpca of Cheboygan, Michigan, passed away on February 10th, 2024, after a short illness. Duane was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, on April 28th, 1956 to late parents Bernard and Joan (Kwasniewski) Rumpca. He spent his childhood in Webster, South Dakota on a farm with his parents and six siblings.

Duane graduated from Webster High School and joined the Coast Guard in the 1970s and proudly served for twenty years, retiring as a Lt. Commander. During this time Duane attended the Great Lakes Maritime Academy in Traverse City, MI, from 1979-1982, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in maritime sciences. After leaving the Coast Guard, Duane worked as freighter pilot for Western Great Lakes Pilots Association, where he became full partner in 2002. He also served as treasurer for the association during this time. Duane retired from freighter piloting in 2020 as a Captain.

During his time in the Coast Guard, Duane traveled the world, including Hawaii, Alaska, and Antarctica. He was an avid motorcyclist and particularly fond of Honda Goldwings. Duane enjoyed spending his time with his close friends Dan and Patti DeGroff in Cheboygan. Duane traveled frequently between Cheboygan, MI and Webster, SD to spend time with his family, and had plans to permanently move back home later this year.

Duane was incredibly generous to local charities, including Toys for Tots and the Make-A-Wish foundation. He always had time to talk and an ear to listen. Duane wanted the people he loved to be happy, healthy, and comfortable, however he could make that happen; and he was stubborn enough and loving enough to make sure it did.

Duane is survived by his two children, Maggie (Lewis) McLouth and Jesse (Lydia) Rumpca. Duane is also survived by his siblings Deb (Morgan) Rohde, Mike (Sandy) Rumpca, Ronette Rumpca, Shelly Rumpca, Nick (Kelly) Rumpca, and Kari (David) Ewalt, and dozens of nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and -nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Make-A-Wish foundation.

Memorial Services for Duane will be 10:30 am Friday, February 23, 2024 at Christ The King Catholic Church in Webster. Memorial visitation will be 6-7pm Thursday, February 22, 2024 closing with a scriptural wake service at 7pm at the funeral home.