John Victor Mechtenberg

1927 - 2021

Parkston – John V. Mechtenberg, 93, went to his heavenly home Monday, February 1 at Avera St. Benedict Hospital in Parkston. Due to COVID concerns, a private, family service will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Parkston. Memorials would be preferred in lieu of flowers. Arrangments by Koehn Bros. Funeral Home in Parkston.

John was born March 23, 1927, in Parkston, SD. He attended Sacred Heart Catholic grade school and graduated from Parkston High School in 1947. He enlisted in the United States Coast Guard serving on the USS Sheboygan and was honorably discharged on May 22, 1946. John married Joyce Thury on June 30, 1947 in Parkston, SD and united in marriage for 73 years. They moved to Joyce's family farm on 1951 to begin farming. John began USDA Meat inspector career in 1971 until retiring to Parkston in 1993.

John and Joyce were honored as the Longest Married Couple on June 30, 2019 by SD Marriage

Encounter Program. They also received the SD Knights of Columbus Family of the Year Award in 2001. John served Knights of Columbus as the local Grand Knight and as the State District Deputy. He was dedicated to serving his community and church at various levels including the Broom Tree Retreat Center. John received the KELOLAND Tradition of Caring Award in 2001.

John was an avid Chicago Cubs baseball fan. He enjoyed all spectator sports and participated in many ofthem. John took up golfing after retiring to Parkston enjoying many rounds of golf with his brother, Fran. John supported and enjoyed following all the Grandchildren's activities. John was a World War II Veteran and was able to participate in Honor Flight to Washington DC in 2011. He was a 50 year active member of the South Dakota American Legion Unger-Fergen Post 194 and honored as the Legionnaire of the Year in 2000. While serving as the Post 194 Legion Athletic Officer he petitioned for Parkston to host the SD State Legion Baseball tournament which was awarded in 2003.

Survivors Grateful for sharing his life with his wife, Joyce, and children: Pat (Dan) Sudbeck, Dimock, SD; Janet (Joe) Groen, Randolph, NE; Judy (Scott Hicks) Carroll, Redfield, SD; Sandy Lang, McCook, SD; Mary Jo Reinhardt, Omaha, NE; Tom (Alexandra) Mechtenberg, Grecia, Costa Rica and Alan Mechtenberg, Katy, TX. Grandchildren: Dawn (Jon) Reuvers; Vermillion, SD; Jeff Sudbeck, Southgate, MI; Matt (Chelsey) Sudbeck , Piedmont, SD; Jenny (Brad) Higgins, Neligh, NE; Jill (James) Gregg, Omaha, NE; Stacy Carroll, Tea, SD; Chad (Jenny) Carroll, Tea, SD; Sarah (Gregory) Korman, Los Angeles, CA; Lisa (Jeff) Brummels, Hartington, NE; Katie (Matt) Ehlen, Edina, MN, Christine Reinhardt, Omaha, NE; Jon (Stephanie) Reinhardt, Omaha, NE; Meghan (Brock) Castinado, Omaha, NE, Gina ( Matt) Wagner, Chicago, IL; Melissa Mechtenberg, Grecia, Costa Rica, Mitchell Mechtenberg, Houston, TX and Audrey Mechtenberg, Austin, TX. Great Grandchildren: Kade, Taylor and Reid Reuvers; Carter and Ava Sudbeck; Brooke, Hunter and Cruz Sudbeck; Rachel and Ashton Higgins; Hailey and Caitlyn Gregg; Brayden Carroll; Nate Brummels, Piper and Mathis Ehlen, Carson and Chloe Reinhardt; Noah Castinado; William Wagner He is survived by his brother Fran (Mary Jane) Mechtenberg, Yankton, SD, and his sister, Joan Sommer, Mitchell, SD.

He was preceded in death by his son, Richard, parents Frank and Marie Mechtenberg, Grandson, Jason Sudbeck, and Son-in-Law, Richard Reinhardt. Sisters-in Law, Francis Kinkade and Thecla Pape, Brothers-in Law, Leo Pape and James Sommer.