Obituary of James William Fergen

Parkston – James William Fergen, 89, went to his heavenly home Friday, March 15 at Avera Bormann Manor in Parkston. Funeral mass will be Wednesday, March 20 at 10:30 am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Parkston. Visitation will be Tuesday, March 19 from 5 to 7 pm with a 6:30 pm prayer service at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Parkston. Arrangements by Koehn Bros. Funeral Home in Parkston.

Jim was born April 2, 1929 to Henry and Helen (Weber) Fergen and was raised, along with his 4 sisters and 4 brothers, on the family farm north of Dimock. After graduating from Ss. Peter & Paul Parochial School, he began his career in farming by helping his dad. As a young man, he noticed a pretty girl, Carol Tischler, at some of the local dances. He married the love of his life, Carol, on June 10, 1952. Jim entered the United States Army on August 12, 1952 and served his country until being honorably discharged on July 2, 1954. While in the army, he went to boot camp at Ft. Leonard Wood and then served in Korea for 18 months where he was a communications specialist. He wrote to Carol every day and said on some nights the bombings were pretty close. He was thankful to return home to his bride. Jim and Carol built their life together on a farm west of Parkston. They were blessed with 3 children, Terri, Craig and Michelle. Jim was always busy on the farm, but found ways to spend time with his children by giving them many tractor rides, going fishing or pheasant hunting, or playing kitten ball. He loved playing cards with anyone who was up for a game. Jim and Carol went to many wedding dances and together knew every dance turn. Jim retired from farming in 1991 and they moved into Parkston. They eventually settled at Avera Assisted Living where they shared many happy times. After losing Carol in 2016, Jim stayed at Assisted Living and continued to engage with his many friends. Jim was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus and American Legion. He was very proud of the Ambassador of Peace Medal he received from his time in the army. 

Grateful for having shared his life are his 3 children: Terri (Fred) Campbell of Albert Lea, MN; Craig (Sharon) Fergen of Mitchell and Michelle Sudbeck of Parkston; 7 grandchildren: James Campbell of Denver, CO; Garrett Campbell of Lawrence, KS; Emily Sudbeck of Pierre; Aaron Sudbeck of Mitchell; Abby Sudbeck of Brookings; and Liam and Andy Fergen of Mitchell; a sister, Mary Ann of Sioux Falls; and 2 brothers, Henry of Mitchell and Don of Parkston.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Helen Fergen; wife, Carol; 3 sisters, Agnes, Helen and Adele; and 2 brothers, Leonard and Joe.