Jody L Stettnichs

Rock Rapids, Iowa Jody L. Stettnichs, age 48 of Rock Rapids, IA died Tuesday August 13, 2013 at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD after a courageous battle with cancer. Funeral service will be 10:30 AM Saturday, August 17, 2013 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Rock Rapids, IA with Rev. Dan Kordahl officiating. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery in Rock Rapids. Visitation will be Friday August 16th from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM with family present from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Jurrens Funeral Home in Rock Rapids. Jody Lyne Stettnichs was born January 8, 1965 in Omaha, Nebraska to Vernon and Margaret (Sprock) Stettnichs. He was raised and received his education in Rock Rapids, IA graduating from Central Lyon High School in 1983. He furthered his education attending Iowa Lakes Community College in Estherville, Iowa graduating with a degree in Criminal Justice. In his younger life Jody was an avid body builder, winning Mr. South Dakota two times and also Mr. Jr. Iowa. He moved to Chicago and became a professional wrestler for a short time. Jody moved back to Brandon, SD and was united in marriage to Patty Kruisselbrink. To this union one child was born, Jacob Charles. Jody went to work for the South Dakota State Penitentiary in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where he was a member and instrumental part of implementing the S.O. R. T. team used there today. He also worked in the Armory there where he could practice his self-taught trade of gunsmith. Jody retired after 20 years at the Penitentiary. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and loved to tell stories to anyone who would listen of his many adventures hunting. He enjoyed classic cars and loved to work on motors. He could fix anything on a vehicle and seemed to know absolutely everything there was to know about engines. Along with Jodys rough and tough exterior there was another side of him. He was a very caring and compassionate person. He touched many lives both professionally and personally. This was illustrated partly by his taking a job at Volunteers of America in Sioux Falls. The family was touched by the outpouring of love and concern as his illness progressed. But what meant most to Jody was his family. He loved them deeply. This past Tuesday, Jody passed away at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls at the age of 48. He will be greatly missed. Jody is survived by his son, Jacob Stettnichs of Sioux Falls, SD; step-daughters, Tanya (Cliff) Wolfe, Lindy (Chris) Kirkpatrick, and Maria (Taz) DeGroot all of Sioux Falls, SD; six, step-grandchildren; ex-wife, Patty Kruisselbrink Stettnichs of Sioux Falls, SD; parents, Vernon and Margaret Stettnichs of Rock Rapids, IA; brothers, Marty (Judy) Stettnichs of Sheldon, IA; Chad Stettnichs of Sioux Falls, SD; sister, Tamra (Arnie) Teunissen of Rock Valley, IA; step-sister, Tony Huls Schettler; nine nieces and nephews; and other extended family members. He was preceded in death by his grandparents and one very special uncle, Roger Sprock.