Duane Leslie Tillotson, 76, of Zeeland, ND died Wednesday May 22, 2019 in his own home in the presence of his beloved wife of 54 years Karen (Flaherty) Tillotson. Duane was born September 2, 1942 in McLean, NY. He was the first child of dairy farmers George and Ethel (Thorton) Tillotson. He spent most of his childhood on the farm in McLean and graduated from Dryden Jr./Sr. High School in 1960. After graduation he continued to farm with his brother Kevin and father George Tillotson.

In late December 1963, he proposed to Karen by asking her if she would want to marry a poor farmer and they have been together almost every day since.  Duane and Karen were married on September 5, 1964 in Syracuse, NY and their marriage was blessed with 5 healthy children Timothy (Tim), John (Ace), Elizabeth (Lizzie), Rebecca (Dunk) and Sarah (George). Duane loved the land, and was a dairy farmer for the majority of his life. In 1998 the brothers felt the urge to move their farm west to North Dakota as the black dirt made Duane's fingers itch to plant something in it. In 1999 they made that dream a reality and did not look back. He was able to retire from his farm in Venturia, ND and spend his time with his wife, children, and grandchildren.

To say Duane was an avid reader would be an understatement. It was rare that he was found without a book. He also loved to watch sports and would cheer the loudest for the Syracuse Orangewomen (and men), the UCONN ladies, and the Minnesota Twins. He was known for his sharp wit and amazing sense of humor. He may be most famous for the red socks he wore to dress up for any occasion, including his own wedding.

Duane is survived by his loving wife Karen of Zeeland, ND and their 5 children: son Timothy and wife Pam Tillotson of East Freetown, NY; son John Asahel Tillotson of North Cape May, NJ; daughter Elizabeth and husband Aaron Stroh of LaMoure, ND; daughter Rebecca and husband Neil Meidinger of Zeeland, ND; and daughter Sarah Tillotson of Cortland, NY;  grandchildren: Ashley and Courtney Tillotson; Aiden Allbright; John-Asahel Tillotson; Grace and Arthur Stroh and Jacob Meidinger. Sisters: Sharon Ayers, Darlene (and Don) Hornyak, Marlea Tillotson, Selena Tillotson, and brother and farming partner: Kevin (and Kathy) Tillotson. As well as beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Duane was preceded in death by his parents and his two infant sons, as well as his friend and brother-in-law Robert Ayers and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

A celebration of life will be held later in the summer when we gather together in New York. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Wishek Ambulance Service, 1007 4 ^th Ave S., Wishek, ND 58495.