Vincent Matthew Jungwirth, 86, Athol, SD, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, June 5, 2017.  Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. on Friday, June 9, 2017 at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Redfield, SD.  Reverend Gregory Frankman will officiate.  Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery in Athol.

Visitation will be Thursday, from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m., at Thelen-Hyke Funeral Home in Redfield, SD with a Scriptural Rosary Service at 7:00 p.m.  along with a time of sharing memories. Thelen-Hyke Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. (www.thelen-hykefuneralhome.com)

Vincent Matthew Jungwirth was born in Athol, SD on December 2, 1930 to Louis and Ida (Puettman) Jungwirth.   Vince graduated from Athol High School in 1948.  He served in the Air Force and then returned to Athol to farm.  He married Catherine Beranek on June 30, 1954.  Five children were born to this union.

Vince was a devoted husband and an avid hunter.  He served on the Northwestern School Board as President and was instrumental in the reorganization of building the Northwestern School System.

He was a member of the Knights of Columbus.  He served as Grand Knight and also received the John F. Kennedy award.  Vince was an active member in the Athol community and served on the church board and as lector for many years.

His children were very close to him and often came to him for advice.  He was known for his generosity.  He loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and would read to them and put them down for naps.

Vince was a rural mail carrier for a short time and then devoted all of his time to what he loved – farming.  Farming was always a passion of his, which led to 67 successful years of doing what he loved.  You could hear him singing "Amazing Grace" and many other songs while checking his cattle or while working on his machinery in the garage.

He especially liked traveling on bus tours.  He enjoyed playing and watching sports.  He played independent basketball and played with the Athol Vets slow-pitch team.

Vince is survived by his loving wife, Catherine; his children:  Marcia (Larry) Borchardt of Minneapolis, MN; Michael (Sandy) Jungwirth of Athol, SD; Patti (Glen) Schaeffer of Loveland, CO; Kristi (Jefferson) Lehman of Elk Point, SD; and Steven (Amy) Jungwirth of Kansas City, MO.  He is also survived by 16 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; a sister,  Caroline Kegler and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Marvin and Ray and a sister Hildegard Lambert.