Jack Francis Ehrich, 87, of Zell, SD, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Monday, July 3, 2017 at Community Memorial Hospital in Redfield.  His funeral service will be Friday, July 7, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at the Messiah Lutheran Church in Redfield.  Reverend Peter M. Utecht will officiate.  Burial will follow at the Rockham Cemetery in Rockham, SD.

Visitation will be Thursday, from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m., at Thelen-Hyke Funeral Home in Redfield with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. Family will be present to accept condolences beginning at 5:00 p.m. Thelen-Hyke Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. (www.thelen-hykefuneralhome.com)

Jack was born September 23, 1929 in Redfield to John and Lillian (Beatty) Ehrich. He lived almost 88 years on the same section of land he was raised on, south of Rockham. He was educated in the Rockham area. On February 5, 1951 Jack married June Bush of St. Lawrence. Jack was an incredibly loving and caring father and grandfather.

Jack and June spent winters in Mesa, AZ since 1985 where Jack enjoyed playing horseshoes with his many friends.

A wonderful farmer, Jack loved to see things grow. Always planting another tree in the yard, tending to the flowers and vegetable garden brought much joy to him. He received several honors in soil conservation. Jack served on the school board as well as on several committees for REA, ASCS and the Rockham Farmers Elevator Board. He was an elder in the Zion Lutheran church in Rockham until it closed.

An amazing craftsman working with wood, he could make nearly anything and made their home very comfortable. He was a kind, gentle and generous neighbor loved by his many nieces, nephews, family and friends. Through the sadness and trials of losing two children, he never lost his faith in God to see him through the hard times.

Jack is survived by his wife of 66 years, June of Zell; his daughters:  Vicky (Arden) Sieh of Leola, SD and Kristine Ehrich of San Diego, CA.  He is also survived by his daughter-in-law, Laura Ehrich of Rockham; 12 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.  His surviving siblings include:  Alvin Ehrich of AZ; Shirley Davis of FL; Doris (Marlen) Sterud of TN and Janice Brown of IA/AZ.