James "Jim" Peitz

James Peitz, age 96 of Crofton, Nebraska died on Monday, April 13, 2026 at the Avera Hospice House in Yankton, SD.

Mass of Christian Burial will be on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Crofton with the Rev. Eliot Schwer officiating. Burial will be at Beaver Creek cemetery in rural Crofton with military rites by the Crofton American Legion Post #128 and the American Legion Riders. Visitation will be on Friday, at church, from 5-7:00 p.m. and a vigil service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue on Saturday one hour prior to services. Arrangements are under the direction of the Wintz Funeral Home in Crofton.

Pallbearers will be Rollie Kollars, Dan Wieseler, Mike Stevens, Keith Buschkamp, Charlie Guenther, and Dennis Bertschinger. Honorary pallbearers will be Ewald Poppe, John Neilsen, Mike Kneifl, Matt Weinandt, Kelly Hodson, Todd Wollan, and John Koebel.

James F. was born on August 25, 1929 in Yankton, SD to Joseph and Josephine (Schaefer) Peitz. He grew up on a farm by Menominee, Nebraska. Jim was drafted into the U.S. Armed Forces serving as a combat Engineer during the Korean War from 1950-1952. Jim married Arlis Rae Eickhoff on January 11, 1954 in Crofton. They made their home in Crofton after the service. Jim drove the school bus for nine years and then worked at St. Rose Parish as a custodian. Jim then started his own construction business in Crofton and the surrounding area for the next 60 years. He was known as a good craftsman and was willing to help the community any way he could.

Jim was a member of St. Rose of Lima Parish. He enjoyed working, being outdoors, and gardening in his spare time. Jim liked to hunt and watching his grandchildren at their sporting events. In his later years, he rode an exercise bike daily.

Jim is survived by four children – Kathy Peitz of Yankton, SD, Larry (Judy) Peitz of Crofton, Don (Jean) Peitz of Yankton, SD, Kevin (Pam) Peitz of Pierce; 11 grandchildren – Greg, Michael Joseph, Eric, Matt, Tom, Ricky Jr., Kristin, Michael Robert, Brandon, Jordan, and Tiffani Peitz; seven great grandchildren; sister Florence Luft.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, wife Arlis Rae on November 2, 2015 at the age of 80 years; daughter Patty Peitz, son Rick Peitz; three brothers Richard, Raymond, and Lawrence “Buddy” Peitz; two sisters Irene Wuebben, Jeanette Wieseler; brother-in-law Jerry Luft.