Kenneth Rezac

Kenneth Rezac, 84, of Tabor, SD, passed away Monday, July 6, 2026, doing what he loved most, working on the family farm. Visitation will be 5:00-7:00 pm Thursday July 9 with a 7:00 Vigil Service all at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Tabor. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 am, Friday July 10 at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Tabor with Rev. Tom Anderson and Rev. Joe Forcelle officiating. Burial will follow at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Cemetery in Tabor with Military Honors by the Kortan-Hatwan American Legion Post 183, Sons of American Legion, and the South Dakota Army National Guard Honor Guard. Online condolences may be sent at www.okfhc.com. Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Kenneth was born on September 16, 1941, in Yankton, South Dakota, to Stanley and Helen (Mudloff) Rezac. After attending St. Wenceslaus Catholic School for first and second grades while living with his Uncle Emil and Aunt Albina, he attended Elmview Country School, just across the road from the family farm, through eighth grade. He graduated from Tabor High School in 1959.

Following graduation, Ken joined the United States Army. He completed basic training at Fort Ord, California, and was then stationed in Neu-Ulm, Germany, for two years. After his honorable discharge, he returned home to Tabor and began farming with his father and uncle, raising hogs and purebred Hereford cattle.

On November 23, 1963, he married Janet M. Sykora. They made their home in Tabor for twelve years before moving to the family homestead, where Ken became a fourth-generation farmer. Together they raised four children, and in later years he had the joy of farming alongside his sons and grandson.

From an early age, farming wasn't just what Ken did, it was who he was. His grandfather, Joseph J. Rezac, was his mentor and role model, and Ken carried that love of the land throughout his life. The rhythm of the seasons, the satisfaction of a hard day's work, and the opportunity to work beside family brought him great joy. He found purpose in caring for the land and gratitude in the simple blessings of farm life.

Ken was a lifelong member of St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, where he served on the parish council for three years. He also served on the Tabor Co-op Board for six years and was a member of the Tabor Volunteer Fire Department. As a young farmer, he was honored as the Outstanding Young Farmer by the Tabor Jaycees. Other than his years in military service, he never missed a Czech Days celebration. In more recent years, he looked forward to gathering each day with friends for tea at The Keg in Tabor.

Ken's life was defined by his faith, strong work ethic, and deep love for his family. There was no place he would rather have been than in a tractor, a combine, or a pickup, lending a hand wherever it was needed. His daily drives around the farm in his Ranger, with his faithful co-pilot Jax by his side, were among his favorite routines.

He will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, neighbor, and friend whose legacy lives on in the fields he cared for and in the family who continues the work he loved.

Ken is survived by his wife of 62 years, Janet; his children, Lynn (Tye) Balthis, Valerie (Pat) Anderson, Joe (Barb) Rezac, and Jim (Kena) Rezac; 16 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren (and counting); his sister, Janet (Ron) Burbach; his brothers- and sisters-in-law, Jim (Gloria) Sykora and Rose (Bernie) Dewald; along with many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Stanley and Helen Rezac; his infant sister, Mary; his parents-in-law, Frank and Elsie Sykora; his niece, Janell Burbach; and his nephew, Greg Sykora.

Ken will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.