John Schurch, 82, of Redfield, SD died Monday, October 29, 2007 at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Sioux Falls, SD. His funeral will be Friday, November 2, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. at the Wesleyan Church in Redfield. Reverend Dennis Stroup will officiate. Burial will be in the Greenlawn Cemetery in Redfield with full military rites. Visitation will be Thursday from 1-8:00 p.m. with the family present from 7-8:00 p.m. at Thelen Funeral Home in Redfield. www.thelenfuneralhome.com

John was born April 27, 1925 in Redfield to Henry and Lena (Neuhring) Schurch. He grew up and attended school in Redfield. He served in the United States Army during World War II serving overseas in Germany. After his discharge, he returned to Redfield and married Dorothea Wolter on June 27, 1947 in Redfield. They farmed southwest of Redfield for several years. John and Reverend H.W. Cretsinger started Prairie States Wood Arts Company making church furniture and pews. Many churches in the Midwest have pews made by this company. John retired in 1971 and started working at James Valley Nursing Home in the maintenance department, he worked there until 2003.

John was a member of the Wesleyan Church. He helped build the church and rectory and made sure all equipment was in good shape. His enjoyed all aspects of farming and woodworking.

John is survived by his son Kevin (Micky) Schurch of Beresford, SD; eight grandchildren and sixteen great grandchildren and one sister Evelyn Brand of Redfield.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Dorothea in 1991, five sisters: Rosey Wise, Bertha Schurch, Mabel Schuerch, Pearl Schmidt and Ethel Preston and two brothers: Henry and infant Wesley.