James Speidel

James E. Speidel, age 60, of rural Milbank died on October 31, 2017, as a result of a tractor accident. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 4, 2017, 11:00 a.m., at Central United Methodist Church in Milbank. Visitation will be held on Friday, November 3, 2017, at Mundwiler Funeral Home from 5:00-7:00 p.m., and will continue one hour prior to the funeral service. Rev. Dr. DeVern Schwenn and Rev. Thom Bowsher will officiate. Burial will be held at Milbank City Cemetery at a later date.

Music will be provided by Sherry DeBoer, pianist, and Bobbi Jo Meyer, vocalist.

Casket bearers will be: Jeff Jackson, Theron Baumgart, Scott Hall, Floyd Hermans, Bernie Hermans, Kip Koch, Scott Jackson, and Colin Chamley.

Honorary bearers will be: the Prisinger Family, Chuck and Peggy Kranz and employees, Gary and Audrey Harms, the Zubke Family, the Waletich Family, Wayne Jaquet, Aaron Meister, Dave Hammer, Butch and Sue Jackson, and the Munson Family.

James Edward Speidel was born on February 1, 1957, in Milbank, SD. He was the son of Leonard and Doris (Porter) Speidel. James was a lifelong resident of Milbank. He grew up on the family farm near Milbank and graduated from Milbank High School.

James was united in marriage with Debra Kay Adams on November 11, 1978. Together they were blessed with 38 years of marriage and three children: Kimberly, Christopher, and Michelle.

James worked for Cold Spring Granite for many years. He later worked for Kranz Well & Excavation part-time. He had a love for farming, and was very proud to be back on the third generation family farm north of Milbank.

In his free time, James enjoyed watching sports, especially the Green Bay Packers and quarter mile track car racing. He was working on rebuilding a race car, lovingly referred to as “Precious”.

James will be remembered as a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He loved and protected his family, and was very proud of his children and grandchildren. Although he had a tough exterior, he had a soft and gentle soul. He was a kind and generous man, helping anyone in need, with a “heart of gold”.

James is survived by his wife, Debra (Adams) Speidel of Milbank, SD; children: Kimberly Veen (Christopher Lee) of Ortonville, MN; Christopher Speidel of Albee, SD; Michelle Speidel (Lincoln Thurman) of Milbank, SD; brothers: Chuck (Pam) Speidel of Tea, SD; Duane Speidel; and Roger Speidel of Collinsville, IL; six grandchildren: Brianna, Blake, Bentley, Khloe, Kynlee, and Evan; two sisters-in-law: Rhonda Wellnitz of Chokio, MN; and Mary Adams (Dale Johnson) of Sioux Falls, SD; one brother-in-law, Bob (Laurie) Adams of Brandon, SD; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

James was preceded in death by his parents: Leonard and Doris.