HARTINGTON - Stanley Joseph Sudbeck, 69, Hartington, died May 18, 2026, at Avera McKennan Hospital, Sioux Falls, S.D., surrounded by Ms family. Mass of Christian Burial was May 22 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Hartington, with the Rev. Kevin Vogel officiating. Burial was at St. Michael’s Cemeteiy, Hartington. Pallbearers were Stan’s grandsons, Carter Thoene, Hunter Thoene, Haiden Thoene, Gavin Becker, Cameron Becker, Nolan Becker and Connor Sudbeck. Honorary pallbearers were Stan’s granddaughters, Skyler Sudbeck, Sydnee Sudbeck, Meghan Thoene and McKenzie Becker. Visitation and a vigil service were Thursday, at church. Visitation continued Friday, one hour prior to Mass. Arrangements were under the direction of the Wintz Funeral Home, Hartington.

Heaven gained a good man, a faithful man, and quite possibly its newest self-appointed Jeopardy! Champion.

Stanley Joseph Sudbeck was bom Aug m, 1956, to Leonard and Viola (Wienandt) Sudbeck. He grew up on the family farm that he later purchased. He attended Cedar Catholic High School and was a member of Holy Trinity Parish and the Knights of Columbus.

Stan was a man of deep faith, unwavering devotion to his family, and a personality that made life fuller simply by being in the room. He was married to the love of Ms life for nearly 50 years, building a family and legacy rooted in hard work, loyalty, laughter and unconditional love. Together, they raised three children, who blessed him with 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren — each one a source of immeasurable pride and joy. He grew up in a way that taught Mm the value of hard work and sacrifice, but he made certain Ms own family grew up knowing something equally important: they were deeply loved, fiercely supported, and always Ms greatest accomplisMnent. No matter how busy life became, Ms family came first.

For nearly 50 years, he farmed the land with dedication and grit, understanding early mornings, long days, and the kind of perseverance only farmers truly know. But proving it’s never too late to reinvent yourself, at 48 he began a second career in real estate, bringing the same work ethic, gift for conversation, and genuine care for people into eveiy relationship.

Stan rarely met a stranger. He loved socializing, swapping stories, and making connections wherever he went. A lifelong learner — and proud member of Toastmasters — he had a knack for collecting an impressive amount of wonderfully random “useless knowledge,” often shouting answers to Jeopardy! before contestants had a chance. More often than not, he was right.

He also never lost his competitive spirit. Sports kept him active throughout life, especially basketball. He loved watcMng the game, but loved playing it even more. If someone challenged Mm to a game of “Horse” or wanted to shoot hoops, he was ready — and likely convinced he still had a few moves left. He may veiy well have been the most senior participant in the Cedar Catholic basketball alumni tournament, proudly proving that age was only a number if your jump shot still worked.

He stayed active in countless ways, including participating in the Torch Run for many years. And despite the endless responsibilities of farm life, he somehow found time to be present — attending as many school events, games, concerts, and activities for Ms children and grandchildren as possible. Whether in the stands, cheering from the sidelines, or proudly bragging afterward, he showed up — again and again.

To know Mm was to know ¡faith, humor, loyalty, and love. He leaves behind a family who adored Mm, stories that will be told for generations, and a reminder that a life well lived isn’t measured by accomplishments alone, but by how deeply you love the people around you. We imagine heaven welcomed Mm with open amis, basketball court, a crowd ready for conversation, and a Jeopardy! Board he finally gets to dominate.

His absence will be deeply felt, but his love, laughter, and lessons will remain with us always.

He is survived by Ms wife of 50 years, Cheiyl; three children and spouses, Jill and Duane Becker, Lincoln;. Jason and Stacey Sudbeck, North Platte; Melissa (Thoene) and John Sloup, Yankton, S.D.; grandchildren, Gavin, Cameron, McKenzie and Nolan Becker; Skyler, Sydnee and Connor Sudbeck; Carter (Chase), Meghan, Hunter (Brooklynn) and Haiden Thoene; great-grandchildren, Reiley and Haisleigh Thoene; mother-in-law, Jolene Sudbeck; and numerous in-laws, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by Ms parents, Leonard and Viola Sudbeck; a brother, Michael Sudbeck; and sister, Marilyn Sudbeck; infant grandsons, Alex and Taylor Becker; and father-in-law, Allen Sudbeck.