James Wieseler
December 2, 1931 ~ October 17, 2018
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James M. Wieseler, 86, of Polo passed away, surrounded by his family, on Wednesday, October 17, 2018 at South Ridge Healthcare, Sioux Falls. They held a private communion service and he took his last breath during the prayers for the dying.
Funeral Mass was held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, October 22, 2018 at St. Liborius Catholic Church, Polo, with Father Christopher Hughes and Father Chester Murtha, presiding. Visitation began at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, October 21, 2018 followed by a 4:00 p.m. prayer service, all at the church. Burial will be at a later date at Black Hills National Cemetery, Sturgis.
James Michael Wieseler was born on December 2, 1931, to John and Rose (Pfister) Wieseler in their home in Park Township, Hand County near Polo, South Dakota. He attended elementary school at St. Liborius School in Polo and graduated from Fairview High School in Polo, class of 1950. He attended two years of college at University of South Dakota in Vermillion, SD. After his brother, George, enlisted in the Air Force, Jim returned home from college to help his parents on the farm. He was drafted into the US Army and served two years in the Korean War stateside. He returned to farm with his Dad and brother George, carrying on the family business of farming and ranching until retirement in 2006.
Jim married Marietta Smalls, from Terry, MT, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Bear Butte, SD, on October 7, 1967. Jim met Marietta at a Fireman’s Dance in Miller, SD when she came to Polo with a Presentation College classmate. To this union, they welcomed four children, Lanae, Rosemary, Laree and Rory.
Jim was involved in many community activities. He was a lector and sang with the choir at St. Liborius Church. He was a paid up for life (PUFL) member of the Richard Clement Legion Post 299 in Polo and held the offices of commander, adjutant, and treasurer. He was active in the Knights of Columbus in his younger years and was a lifetime member. He was also an active member of the National Farmers Organization (NFO) and was president of the local chapter in Hand County. He served on the Fairview Township schoolboard as president when they built the Polo High School. He was also chairman of Park Township board. After retirement from farming, Jim worked at the Ponderosa in Polo, where his quick wit was enjoyed by all.
Jim and Marietta liked to travel across the United States visiting family and friends. They made annual trips to Montana to visit Marietta’s parents and family. They also made several trips with friends and family to conventions, weddings, and site-seeing vacations. Jim enjoyed following his children’s and grandchildren’s activities.
Jim is survived by his wife of 51 years, Marietta; his children: Lanae Wieseler, Rapid City, SD, Rosemary (Tori Bessette) Wieseler, Redford MI, Laree (Jerry) Giovannettone, Sioux Falls, SD, Rory (Jamie Sternhagen) Wieseler, Rapid City, SD; two grandchildren: John & Lane Giovannettone, Sioux Falls, SD; brother, John (Helen) Wieseler, Hazen, ND; sister, Elinor (Jim) Clingan, Westminster, MD; sisters-in-law: Delores Wieseler, Miller, SD, Joan Wieseler, Kennewick, WA; and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Rose; one sister, Marcella; and two brothers: George and Leonard.
Reck Funeral Home of Miller has been entrusted with James’ arrangements.
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So sorry to hear of your loss. He will be missed he was a great guy. Our Deepest Sympathy Dr. Dick and Kathy Splichal
What a beautiful way for Jim to leave this world! Our sincere sympathies to you Marietta and family. We have many wonderful memories of times with you both. Jim and Dwana Kolda
Dear Marietta & family, Sorry to hear of the loss of your loved one. God grant you comfort and strength in your time of need. With sympathy, Lorne & Pat Ruzicka
Family of Jim, Thinking of you and extending our condolences with your great loss. Don recalls spending an enjoyable summer with relatives in Polo (and being in the way probably ) when they were combining wheat, etc with Joe Coyle’s family. Jim had a full life with his church, family, and serving in so many organizations per his obituary. God bless his soul, all the wonderful memories, and everyone. We are very sorry we will be unable to attend his services as it is difficult for Don to get around.
Marietta and family, I’m so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing! He was amazingly blessed with such a wonderful family to be with him as he entered his eternal home! My thoughts and prayers are with you all!
Marietta, our deepest sympathies go out to you and your family. May God give you the comfort and peace that you seek during this time of grief. Many fond memories going back to the harvest days, he will be missed. Bill and Michele
Not only did my parents and Jim and Marietta farm and ranch together, but Jimmy and Marietta were also parent figures for my siblings and me. Our families grew up and matured with each other. Marietta and Jim have had an indelible impact on our lives, which remains with us today. Yes, there is sadness in our loss, but we will always celebrate his gift to us and the community in which he lived. Jimmy, you did right by all of us.
Marietta and family-My deepest sympathy to all of you in the loss of Jim. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Hold on to all those great memories! Hugs and blessings!