James D. Wiering

  James Wiering Livestream   Larchwood, IA

     James D. Wiering, age 86 of Larchwood, Iowa died Friday, December 4, 2020 at Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls, SD.

     Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM, Tuesday, December 8^th at The Church of St. Mary in Larchwood, IA, with Father Sunny Dominic as Celebrant. Burial will follow at the Larchwood Cemetery.

     Public visitation will be Monday, December 7^th from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at The Church of St. Mary in Larchwood. Due to Covid-19 restrictions the Wiering family will not be present.

     James “Jim” Dean Wiering was born December 25, 1933 at home in Larchwood, Iowa, a Christmas gift to his parents, Jacob and Lucy (De Smet) Wiering.  

     Jim lived his entire life in Larchwood, graduating from St. Mary High School in 1951 and then began working at John Morrell. He only left Larchwood for 2 years to serve in the Army. When he returned, he continued to work at John Morrell until he began farming full-time. On August 10, 1957 he was united in marriage to Joan O’Hora at St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Sioux Falls, SD. To this union four children were born. Jim and Joan moved to the homeplace in 1958 where they raised their children and farmed for the next 39 years.

     Through the years, Jim served on the Larchwood Farmer’s Elevator board, worked for the USDA ASCS, was a member of American Legion Post 561, and a faithful member of St. Mary Church, singing in the choir for many years. Jim and Joan enjoyed traveling and had many great memories of the Alaskan Cruise they took for their 50^th wedding anniversary and their trips to Disney World with Doug and family.

     Jim and Joan retired in 1997, moved to town and took up golfing. Jim’s golfing highlights were hitting a hole in one on #3 at Meadow Acres and playing in the National Veteran’s Tee Tournament. He also kept busy with his favorite hobby of woodworking. He created many beautiful, unique pieces with intricate detail that are a treasure for his family. An eagle and chipmunk were two of his favorite pieces and he was also very proud of the registration table where his guest book lay today.

      Jim was declared legally blind in February 2014, and after Joan’s death in September 2016, he chose to move to an assisted living facility in Sioux Falls. He remained there until earlier this year when his health declined. Due to advancing kidney failure, he moved to Dougherty Hospice House in June 2020. His journey ended on December 4th when he passed away peacefully.

     Jim is survived by his children Tami (Joe) Darst of Sioux Falls, SD; Miki (Kevin) Snyders of Larchwood, IA; Sandra (Randy) Welbig of Colton, SD; Douglas (Tracey) Wiering of Cedar Falls, IA; 7 grandchildren - Erin (Kelly) Harrer of Lisbon, IA, Dustin (Lisa) Snyders of Phoenix AZ; Andrea (Dustin) Reutter of Marion, SD; Abby (Dan) Renner of Crooks, SD; Brady (Kristen) Welbig of Brandon, SD; and Henry and Charles James Wiering of Cedar Falls, IA, along with 9 great-grandchildren, Zachary (Maddie) Darst; Kaeden Harrer; Corben, Hailey and Aubrey Reutter; and Tyson, Myles, Cole James and Isla Snyders.

     He was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Joan; parents, Jacob and Lucy Wiering; brother, Richard DeBaere; and sisters, Helen Stevens, Marcella Zimmer and Frances Bjerke.

Blessed Be His Memory.