Jim Klimisch

Jim Klimisch, 74, of Utica, SD, passed away Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at his home in rural Utica. Visitation will be Tuesday, May 19 from 5:00-7:00 pm with a 7:00 pm wake service all at Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home in Yankton. Jim’s Funeral Mass will be 2:00 pm, Wednesday, May 20 at St. Agnes Catholic Church (Sigel) with Rev. Bob Lacey officiating. Burial will follow at the Sigel Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent at www.okfhc.com. Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. To view Jim’s service livestream, click this link: https://server.attend.live/static/event/yPpqR.

Jim was born October 13, 1951 to Roger and Delores (Cwach) Klimisch at Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton SD. He graduated from Klimisch grade school and Yankton High School. He attended Southern State College in SD. After working various jobs, Jim became a fourth generation farmer, farming the home place near the James River. He was a long-time member of Sigel Church. 

Jim was a fast pitch softball pitcher for the Vedin Vampires, Utica Rebels, and finally Conkling Distributing, winning the SD Class A fastpitch softball title in 1981. Jim enjoyed cooking, raising cattle, and driving his four-wheeler/golf cart viewing the James River area. He cherished his nieces and nephews and was proud of them all. 

Jim is survived by siblings John (Jenny), Steve, Joan (Jeff) Young, Mary (Steve) Ewing, Greg, Tom (Tammy), and Kathy (Roy) McDonnell. He was preceded in death by his parents Roger and Delores (Cwach) Klimisch.