Jon Zubke

WAUBAY – Jon Zubke, 69 of Waubay, passed away Friday August 5, 2016 due to injuries sustained in an automobile accident in Roberts County. His funeral will be 10:30 A.M. Friday August 12, 2016 at Fiksdal Funeral Chapel in Webster. Military interment will be in the Lakewood Cemetery. Visitation will be at the funeral home Thursday 5-7P.M.closing with a prayer service. Jon Allen Zubke was born on March 8, 1947, to Leo and Marvelyn (Mikkelson) Zubke in Webster, South Dakota. He was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church, Waubay. His formal education began at a country school in Egeland Township, Day County, until he transferred in sixth grade to Waubay Public and graduated in 1965. While still in high school he enlisted in the SD Army National Guard and served during the 1972 Rapid City flood. Jon married Beverly Jo Knudson on September 9, 1967. They were blessed with a daughter and four sons. As a young man, Jon worked at several places in Webster, including John Sinner Auto Body, the former South Main Garage, and Community Oil, and then at Sioux Valley Co-op in Watertown. Later in life, he worked several years at Pollard International (now Titan Machinery) in Watertown. Besides these various jobs, Jon farmed south of Waubay having started from 200 rented acres in 1970. After his sons came of age, they took over the farm and Jon ventured into selling used cars and machinery. This endeavor became his focus until his death. He preferred being his own boss and enjoyed going to many a car auction with his buddies. All his life Jon was a humble, hard-working person. From stacking square bales and pitching bundles by hand in his youth, to taking orders from his bosses, to establishing a farm, to traveling long hours attending car auctions, Jon persevered. He lived what he believed and had a strong sense of fairness; both enabled him to stay true to himself. He had a strong, independent spirit and lived life on his own terms, not letting health issues hold him back. Jon was a man of ideas, not afraid of risk, and he expressed his faith through action. He was always willing to help others, especially those down on their luck. By his example he instilled in his children a strong work ethic. Working alongside his sons, they caught his mechanical ability and “fix-it, make do” attitude. Anyone who knew Jon was familiar with his jokester humor and even his grandkids didn’t escape that wise-crack teasing. Jon passed away on Friday, August 5, 2016 at the age of 69 years, four months and 28 days. Jon is survived by his children, Sharon Undt of Sioux Falls, Duane (Rhonda) Zubke, Gregory (Sandy) Zubke, Steven (Jodi) Zubke, and Darrell Zubke of Waubay; grandchildren, Andrew and Bethany Undt, Kyle, Carson, Conner, Keaton, Morgan, Norah, Sarah, Mackenzie, and Brayden Zubke; his former wife, Beverly; two brothers, Jerald (Donna) Zubke of Milbank, and David (Marilyn) Zubke of Waubay; one sister, Pamela (Lynn) Jensen of Sundance, WY; and numerous nieces and nephews. Jon was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Robert; a niece, Sandra; and son-in-law, Peter.