James E. Kressig

James Kressig

HARTINGTON — James E. Kressig, 88, Hartington, died Jan. 31, 2024, at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital, Yankton, S.D.

Mass of Christian Burial was Feb. 3 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Hartington, with the Rev. Owen Korte officiating. Funeral services were also livestreamed at www.facebook.com/WintzRay/live Burial of his cremated remains will be at St. Michael’s Cemetery, at a later date.

Pallbearers were Jason Ehlers, Ryan Eickhoff, Josh Wortmann, Patrick Wortmann, Beau Lubberstedt and Andrew Dennis.

Honorary pallbearers were Adam Smith, Jacob Smith, Nicholas Smith, Maria Smith, Ashley Eickhoff, Brandie Sprieck, Nicole Dennis, Kim Anderson, Travis Wortmann and all the great grandchildren.

Military honors were by the Hartington VFW Post #5283 and the Legion Riders after the funeral Mass.

Visitation and a vigil service with his body present were Friday at the Wintz Funeral Home, Hartington, and continued Saturday, one hour prior to services at church.

Arrangements were under the direction of the Wintz Funeral Home, Hartington. James Ervan was born Dec. 14, 1935, in Hartington, to Ervan A. and Geneva (Whitehorn) Kressig. James grew up in the Hartington area and went to country school prior to attending and graduating from Hartington High School in 1953. Jim served in the U.S. Army 1958-1960, while being stationed in Germany. After his honorable discharge, Jim lived and worked in California for a few years and then worked for Kolberg’s Manufacturing, Yankton, before deciding to farm with his brother, Donovan. Jim was always busy on the farm and made that his lifelong career. Jim married Janice Faye Kittle (Smith) May 24, 1976, in Norfolk.

Jim was a member of the Holy Trinity Catholic Church. He loved to read books, with Westerns his favorite. He liked riding his motorcycle and enjoyed square dancing with his wife, Janice, for many years. Jim and his brother, Don, and wife, Lorraine, would always look forward to eating out at Rodeo’s in Coleridge every week. In his early years, he enjoyed horseback riding and trail rides.

Jim is survived by his seven step-children, Mark Smith, Rockford, Ill,; Chuck Smith, Hartington; Jim (Dawn) Smith, Birmingham, Ala.; Dan Smith, Lakewood, Calif.; Darryl Smith, Hartington; Theresa (Ryan) Lubberstedt, Dixon; Marla (Randy) Wortmann, Hartington; 12 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and one sister-in-law, Lorraine Kressig, Yankton, S.D.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Janice May 12, 2014, at the age of 76; brother, Donovan, Jan. 19, 2024; granddaughter, Megan Smith; grandson, Erik Smith; two infant sisters; and by his aunt, Flora Hassman, who helped raise Jim and Don.