Mass of Christian Burial for Duane Robert Svihovec "Tubby", 36, of Hettinger, ND will be Wednesday, May 30, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Hettinger. Fr. Chad Gion will officiate and interment will follow at the Hettinger Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday, May 29, from 1:00 to 5:30 P.M. at Evanson Jensen Funeral Home in Hettinger and one hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday morning. A rosary and vigil service will be at 7:00 P.M. Tuesday, May 29th at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church.


DUANE ROBERT SVIHOVEC "Tubby" was born in Hettinger on October 6, 1970, the son of Delmar and Veronica (Maliske) Svihovec. He was the youngest of six children. He grew up in Hettinger, North Dakota, attending Hettinger Public School. After graduating from high school in 1989, Duane attended college at North Dakota State University and Dickinson State University. He graduated from Minot State University in 1993 receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with an emphasis in science. He worked for a short time in Valley City, North Dakota at the Independent Living Project helping individuals with mental illness become valued members of the community. In Bismarck, North Dakota, he worked at St. Alexius Medical Center in the psychiatric department. Pursuing a lifelong goal to help others, Duane returned to college at South Dakota State University in Vermillion, South Dakota. There he attained a degree as a Physician Assistant-Certified and was pursuing his master's degree. While in College, Duane was the first recipient of the "Physician Assistant Student of the Year." This award recognized Duane for receiving the first 100% in all his rotations and stellar recommendations from his supervisors. Duane worked in family medicine in Hamburg, Iowa, until 1998 when he moved to Rapid City, South Dakota. There he worked as a Physician Assistant under Roger Knutson, M.D. at West River Dermatology and was often called upon to suture wounds because he was so meticulous.


In August, 2002, Duane suffered a traumatic brain injury while riding his motorcycle. After surviving a coma and extensive rehabilitation, Duane began his life anew in Hettinger. Throughout his life, Duane valued education and will be remembered for his abundant generosity, kindness, and sense of humor.


Duane Robert Svihovec "Tubby" age 36 passed away at his home in Hettinger on May 25, 2007.


He is survived by his parents, Delmar and Veronica Svihovec; his siblings and their spouses: Cyrisse (Les) Wietstock, Casselton; James (Linda) Svihovec, Watford City; Collette (Terry) Kraft, Mandan; Maureen Svihovec, Valley City; and Jolene (Dave) Erickson, Hettinger. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews: Chentel (Kayle) Dangerud; Amy and Nathan Svihovec; Tara and Michaela Kraft; Bethany and Kye Erickson; and one great niece Ella Dangerud. He is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. Preceding Duane in death were his grandparents, James F. and Rena Svihovec and Michael and Apollonia Maliske and several aunts and uncles. In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established in Duane's honor by his family.