James “Jim” E. Wohlleber, 73, of Summit, SD passed away surrounded by family on December 15, 2021, at Sanford Hospital in Webster, SD.
Visitation will be on Wednesday, December 22, 2021 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Fiksdal Funeral Service in Webster.
Funeral services will be on Thursday, December 23, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. at Hope Lutheran Church in Summit with Pastor Janet Miller officiating. Burial will be in the Hope Lutheran Cemetery at Summit. Luncheon will follow at Hope Lutheran Church.
James "Jim" Earl Wohlleber was born in Milbank, SD on August 3, 1948, to John and Francis (Habeck) Wohlleber. He attended country school one mile from his home until 8th grade and graduated from Summit High School in 1966.
On December 9, 1967, he married Sandy Rudebusch at Hope Lutheran Church in Summit. To this union, three living children were born—Lori, Becki, and Josh. They were later divorced. He worked numerous jobs until he began farming/ranching with his brother, Johnnylee in the early 1980s. He continued operating Wohlleber Livestock and Grain with his brother, son, and grandsons. He continued to give the boys orders until his last breath.
Jim loved playing softball, pool, and cards. In his later years, he attended all of his children’s and grandchildren’s activities. However, the majority of his time was spent checking cattle, driving around checking crops, pastures and employees, and thinking up how to manage his next big deal. He never attended an auction without raising his hand. Also, very important to him these last few years was taking care of his mom. He was very proud of his family.
He is survived by his children: Lori O’Farrell of Summit, SD; Becki (Chad) Steinocker of Summit, SD; and Josh (Joni) Wohlleber of Summit, SD; his mother, Francis Wohlleber of Summit, SD; his brother Johnnylee Wohlleber, of Watertown, SD; nine grandchildren, Chase (Brandi) O’Farrell, Logan (Andy) Buchele, Presley (Adam) Jones, Shenia Steinocker, Jake Steinocker, Hudson Steinocker, Zoey Wohlleber, Jackson Wohlleber, and Jace Wohlleber; five great-grandchildren and two on the way. He was preceded in death by his dad, John and two sons, Matthew and Justin.
Pallbearers will be all his grandchildren: Chase O’Farrell, Logan Buchele, Presley Jones, Shenia Steinocker, Jake Steinocker, Hudson Steinocker, Zoey Wohlleber, Jackson Wohlleber, and Jace Wohlleber.