James Peckenpaugh

James Peckenpaugh, age 92, passed away on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD.

Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 AM on Monday, August 12, 2024, at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in De Smet, SD. Father Terry Weber and Father Richard Baumberger will officiate with music provided by Leo Jensen as vocalist accompanied by Tabitha Unruh. Active pallbearers will be Bruce Heiter, Mike Heiter, David Widman, Matt Peckenpaugh, Nathan Serfling, Edward Wendel, Tony Peckenpaugh, and Daniel DeDeyne. Honorary pallbearers will be all of Jim’s nieces and nephews.

Burial will follow at St. Thomas Cemetery in De Smet, SD.

Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 PM on Sunday, August 11, 2024, at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in De Smet, SD. A wake at 5:00 p.m. and rosary service starting at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 11, 2024, at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in De Smet, SD

Jim was born on August 13, 1931, to William Francis and Loretta (Callahan) Peckenpaugh in De Smet, SD. He attended country school for eight years and graduated from De Smet High School in 1950. He was the first President of the FFA Chapter in De Smet High School and received an Honorary Degree in 2002.

Jim farmed all his life in Matthews Township. He loved his farm life, working with Hereford Cattle and quarter horses. He enjoyed the transition from horse drawn machinery to the modern-day equipment! Field work, cutting hay, and silage cutting were some of his favorite jobs. Jim loved his John Deere Gator. He was able to check cattle waters, crops, and visit with the neighbors. He took great pride in being and uncle and great-uncle to all his nieces and nephews. He was a lifetime member of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church.

He is survived by his four sisters: Helen Heiter of Alexandria, Margaret (James) Mourek of De Smet, Janice (Alan) Serfling of Madison, Pat Peckenpaugh of Sioux Falls; one brother, Robert (Nancy) Peckenpaugh of Carthage; and one brother-in-law, Roger Widman of De Smet.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Loretta; brothers, Doug and Tom; brother-in-law, Jim Heiter; sister, Mary Widman; infant brother; and niece, Angela Wendel.

Arrangements by Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel                                www.crawfordosthus.com

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