CROFTON — James F. Peitz, 96, Crofton, died April 13, 2026, at the Avera Hospice House, Yankton, S.D.

Mass of Christian Burial was April 18, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, Crofton ,with the Rev. Eliot Schwer officiating.

Burial was at Beaver Creek Cemetery, rural Crofton, with military rites by the Crofton American Legion Post #128 and the American Legion Riders.

Visitation and a vigil service were Friday at church and continued Saturday, one hour prior to services.

Arrangements were under the direction of the Wintz Funeral Home, Crofton.

Pallbearers were Rollie Kollars, Dan Wieseler, Mike Stevens, Keith Buschkamp, Charlie Guenther and Dennis Bertschinger.

Honorary pallbearers were Ewald Poppe, John Neilsen, Mike Kneifl, Matt Weinandt, Kelly Hodson, Todd Wollan and John Koebel.

James F. was born Aug. 25, 1929, in Yankton, to Joseph and Josephine (Schaefer) Peitz. He grew up on a farm by Menominee. Jim was drafted into the U.S. Armed Forces serving as a combat engineer during the Korean War from 1950-1952. Jim married Arlis Rae Eickhoff Jan. 11, 1954, in Crofton. They made their home in Crofton after the service. Jim drove the school bus for nine years and then worked at St. Rose Parish as a custodian. Jim then started his own construction business in Crofton and the surrounding area for the next 60 years. He was known as a good craftsman and was willing to help the community any way he could.

Jim was a member of St. Rose of Lima Parish. He enjoyed working, being outdoors and gardening in his spare time. Jim liked to hunt and watch his grandchildren at their sporting events. In his later years, he rode an exercise bike daily.

Jim is survived by four children, Kathy Peitz, Yankton, S.D.; Larry (Judy) Peitz, Crofton; Don (Jean) Peitz, Yankton, S.D.; and Kevin (Pam) Peitz, Pierce; 11 grandchildren, Greg, Michael Joseph, Eric, Matt, Tom, Ricky Jr., Kristin, Michael Robert, Brandon, Jordan and Tiffani Peitz; seven great-grandchildren; and sister, Florence Luft.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Arlis Rae, Nov. 2, 2015, at the age of 80; daughter, Patty Peitz; son, Rick Peitz; three brothers, Richard, Raymond and Lawrence “Buddy” Peitz; two sisters, Irene Wuebben and Jeanette Wieseler; brother-in-law, Jerry Luft.