Cora G. Duncanson, 95 of Wagner

Funeral services will be 10:30 am Saturday, September 13, 2008 at the United Methodist Church in Wagner, with burial in the ZCBJ Cemetery, rural Wagner. Visitation will be Friday from 11 am to 8 pm at the Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home in Wagner, with the family present from 7 to 8 and a prayer service at 7:30.

Cora G. Duncanson, daughter of Lloyd and Veda (Crabb) Eitemiller, was born January 31, 1913 at Grand Island, NE. She died Sunday, September 7, 2008 at the Good Samaritan Society in Wagner. Cora attained the age of 95 years, seven months and seven days.

Cora's family moved to South Dakota after her father's death when she was six years old. She attended Bryan Country School and graduated from Wagner High School in 1930. Cora attended General Beadle College in Madison and later Southern State Teachers' College in Springfield, earning her teaching degree. She also did graduate work at University of South Dakota and the University of Oklahoma. Cora taught at rural schools in Charles Mix County and Ravinia Elementary for 10 years; high school English at Springfield High School and Wagner High School; and was the librarian at the Wagner Community School for many years. She retired in 1978.

Cora married Raymond Duncanson in Corsica, SD on April 14,1934. Five children were born to their union. Raymond died July 28, 2000. Cora entered the Wagner Good Samaritan Society on October 6, 1998.

Cora was an 83 year member of the United Methodist Church in Wagner where she taught Sunday School and served on the administrative board and as a lay leader. She was a former member of Eastern Star, SDEA, WEA, State Librarian Association, BPW where she held numerous offices, 4-H leader, and 20 years in Home Extension. Cora was named the Wagner Woman of the Year in 1977. She also played a supportive role in her husband's career as Mayor of Wagner and the Charles Mix Rural Irrigation Association.

Cora will be remembered for her enjoyment of painting, sewing, reading, gardening,
canning and doing crafts. She encouraged everyone to pursue their values and goals. Cora
instilled in her daughters the difference between "wants and needs".

Thankful for having shared her life are her four daughters: Cheryl Lindholm and husband Elmer of Rapid City, Marlis Davis and husband Loren of Prior Lake, MN, Gail Johannsen-Bridge and husband Lee of Wagner, and Vicki Cool and husband K.L. of Payson, AZ; eight grandchildren: Bruce Lindholm, Dr. Rick Davis, Ross Davis, Julie LeVan, Todd Johannsen, Tim Johannsen, Josh Cool and Dr. Jason Cool; 16 great grandchildren; two step great grandchildren; and two step great-great grandchildren.

Cora was preceded in death by her husband, an infant son; grandson, Jeff Lindholm; parents; and son-in-law, James Johannsen.