Eric Lee Quail

Eric Quail, age 64, of Brandt, SD passed away with his family at his side on Friday, February 14, 2025 at the Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD. Celebration of his life will be at 2pm on Saturday, February 22nd at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Clear Lake, SD. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7pm on Friday, February 21st at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Clear Lake, SD with a prayer service at 7pm. Visitation will resume one hour prior to the service at the church. Houseman Funeral Home of Clear Lake, SD has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Eric Lee Quail was born February 18, 1960, in Hendricks MN to Orville & Delva (Olson) Quail. He grew up in rural Deuel County and graduated from Clear Lake High School in 1978. He attended SDSU focusing on agriculture.
On August 2, 1980, Eric was united in marriage to Tammy Tesch at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Clear Lake and together they shared 44 1/2 years together. They were blessed with two children: Josi & Jordan. At the age of 14 his dad gave him two bee hives apparently sparking an interest in bee keeping since after managing a bin building crew for a number of years, he changed his career path and started working for John Kooiman where he studied and explored migratory bee keeping activity for several years. In 1990 when John decided to return to his previous vocation Eric began his own very successful bee keeping business; Quail Honey which he actively maintained until his death.
Eric was a man of many talents, a kind and gentle soul. Eric was known for his generous spirit and his willingness to help anyone who needed it. He found joy in the outdoors, especially the thrill of the hunt and spent countless hours in the field or at a lake sharing his love of hunting and fishing with his family and friends. Eric was a fighter and over the years, with his persistence and positive attitude he overcame a number of heart problems that threatened to interfere with his life. His perseverance and optimistic attitude are an example all should follow. Eric loved to read. His favorite reading material were westerns and detective novels, although he would read whatever was available.
Eric is survived by his wife Tammy, Brandt SD; daughter Josi (Brian) Ulvestad; Brookings, SD; son Jordan (Brooke) Quail; Brandt, SD; grandsons Asher and Zander Ulvestad; granddaughter Faith; brother Gary (Jan) Quail; sister Arla (Chuck) Olson; sister-in-law, Shirley Quail; fourteen nieces and nephews; several grand nieces and nephews and his beloved dogs Marigold & Buckwheat his constant companions.
He was proceeded in death by his parents; brother Ordell Quail; sister Susan Kappel and nephew Troy Quail.