Eric Michael Tycz

Eric Michael Tycz, 58, of Tyndall, South Dakota, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, September 25, 2025, just 14 days shy of his 59th birthday. Born October 9, 1966 in Tyndall, to Robert and Hilda (Winckler) Tycz, Eric made his life there and remained deeply rooted in the community he so dearly loved until the day of his passing.

Eric graduated from Bon Homme High School in 1985. He left a lasting impression not only on his classmates but also on faculty, upperclassmen, and underclassmen alike. Following high school, he attended the University of South Dakota, where he built many lifelong friendships and created cherished memories during his time there.

In 1986, Eric began working alongside his father at Sokota Batteries in Tyndall, where he remained until 1993. He treasured the opportunity to work with his dad and to connect with the many customers he came in contact with. In 1997, he opened Sportsmans Rendezvous in Tyndall, which quickly became a beloved gathering place. Running Sportsmans Rendezvous with his mom by his side was one of the highlights of his life. Together, they welcomed everyone with warmth, good food, and plenty of laughter. Eric’s quick wit, his endless supply of jokes and magic tricks, and his ability to encourage and lift others up made him the heart of the establishment. If you knew him, you loved him.

In 2011, Eric began working at Farmers Mutual Hail Insurance as a crop adjuster. True to his nature, every job he chose centered around people. To meet Eric was to immediately gain a friend. He was known for his contagious smile, positive energy, and his ability to make anyone feel seen, valued, and cared for. Loyal, genuine, charismatic, and fun, he was a light to everyone around him.

Eric was active in many community organizations throughout his life. He participated in karate, Boy Scouts, Bon Homme Bass Club, and served proudly with the Tyndall Fire Department for 35 years including a period of time as Assistant Chief, a role he was especially honored to hold. His decades of service reflected not only his commitment, but also his deep love for the community he called home. He also contributed to the 4-H Barbecue Committee, bowled, played slow-pitch softball, and completed the Reisch World Wide College of Auctioneering to become a licensed auctioneer. He treasured playing cards with his close group of friends, where laughter, camaraderie, and friendly competition filled many evenings. Eric also played in hundreds of tournaments with the Free Poker Network, including many national tournaments in Las Vegas. He went on to compete in World Series of Poker events and Mid-State Poker Tour tournaments, further fueling his passion and talent. He also loved to golf, and though health challenges in recent years put a damper on his game, his goal and hope was always to get back out on the course again.

Eric gave the best bear hugs, told the best stories, and never missed an opportunity to share laughter. He often said, “A day without laughter is a day wasted,” and he lived by that motto. His phenomenal memory, heart for people, and gift for conversation made him unforgettable. Eric was also known for giving people second chances, a reflection of the gracious, forgiving, and compassionate person he was. There will truly never be anyone like Eric.

He is survived by his uncle Art Winckler of Yankton, SD; aunts Dorothy Frank and Darlene Tycz, both of Tyndall; along with numerous cousins with whom he shared a sibling-like closeness and lifelong bond. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Hilda Tycz; his grandparents, Charles Sr. and Anna Tycz, and Otto and Emma Winckler; and by a number of beloved aunts, uncles, and extended family members.

Visitation will be held at St. Leo’s Catholic Church on Tuesday, September 30, from 5:00–7:00 p.m., with a wake service to follow. Funeral services will be on Wednesday, October 1, at 10:30 a.m., at St. Leo’s Catholic Church, with public burial immediately following. Honoring his years of service, Eric will take his final journey to St. Leo’s Cemetery aboard the 1927 fire truck of the Elliott Hose Company No. 1, Tyndall Fire Department. A luncheon will be held at the Tyndall Auditorium after the burial, and all are invited. There will also be a time for friends and family to share special stories and memories of Eric.

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made directly to the Tyndall Fire Department, Bon Homme Bass Club, or Bon Homme Golf Course.

In addition, Eric’s high school graduating class of 1985 is establishing the Eric M. Tycz Memorial Humanitarian Scholarship. Contributions to the scholarship may be made at Security Bank in Tyndall. This thoughtful gesture is a reflection of the kindness, selflessness, and humanitarian heart that Eric shared so freely with others.

Above all, Eric’s laughter lives on in every life he touched, and may we honor him by living with the same joy and generosity of spirit that defined his life.