Stanley J. Sudbeck

Stanley Joseph "Stan" Sudbeck age 69 of Hartington, Nebraska died on Monday, May 18, 2026 at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD surrounded by his family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be on Friday, May 22, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Hartington with the Rev. Kevin Vogel officiating. Burial will be at St. Michael’s cemetery in Hartington. Visitation will be on Thursday, at church, from 5-7:00 p.m. and a Vigil Service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue on Friday one hour prior to mass. Arrangements are under the direction of the Wintz Funeral Home in Hartington.

Pallbearers will be Stan’s grandsons – Carter Thoene, Hunter Thoene, Haiden Thoene, Gavin Becker, Cameron Becker, Nolan Becker, and Connor Sudbeck. Honorary pallbearers will be Stan’s granddaughters – Skyler Sudbeck, Sydnee Sudbeck, Meghan Thoene, and McKenzie Becker.

Heaven gained a good man, a faithful man, and quite possibly its newest self-appointed Jeopardy! Champion.

Stanley Joseph Sudbeck was born on Aug 11, 1956 to Leonard and Viola (Weinandt) Sudbeck. He grew up on the family farm that he later purchased. He attended Cedar Catholic High School and was a member of Holy Trinity Parish and the Knights of Columbus.

Our dad was a man of deep faith, unwavering devotion to his family, and a personality that made life fuller simply by being in the room. He was married to the love of his life for nearly 50 years, building a family and legacy rooted in hard work, loyalty, laughter, and unconditional love. Together, they raised three children, who blessed him with 11 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren — each one a source of immeasurable pride and joy. He grew up in a way that taught him the value of hard work and sacrifice, but he made certain his own family grew up knowing something equally important: they were deeply loved, fiercely supported, and always his greatest accomplishment. No matter how busy life became, his family came first.

For nearly 50 years, he farmed the land with dedication and grit, understanding early mornings, long days, and the kind of perseverance only farmers truly know. But proving it’s never too late to reinvent yourself, at 48 he began a second career in real estate, bringing the same work ethic, gift for conversation, and genuine care for people into every relationship.

Dad rarely met a stranger. He loved socializing, swapping stories, and making connections wherever he went. A lifelong learner — and proud member of Toastmasters — he had a knack for collecting an impressive amount of wonderfully random “useless knowledge,” often shouting answers to Jeopardy! before contestants had a chance. More often than not, he was right.

He also never lost his competitive spirit. Sports kept him active throughout life, especially basketball. He loved watching the game, but loved playing it even more. If someone challenged him to a game of HORSE or wanted to shoot hoops, he was ready — and likely convinced he still had a few moves left. He may very well have been the most senior participant in the Cedar Catholic basketball alumni tournament, proudly proving that age was only a number if your jump shot still worked.

He stayed active in countless ways, including participating in the Torch Run for many years. And despite the endless responsibilities of farm life, he somehow found time to be present — attending as many school events, games, concerts, and activities for his children and grandchildren as possible. Whether in the stands, cheering from the sidelines, or proudly bragging afterward, he showed up — again and again.

To know him was to know faith, humor, loyalty, and love. He leaves behind a family who adored him, stories that will be told for generations, and a reminder that a life well lived isn’t measured by accomplishments alone, but by how deeply you love the people around you. We imagine heaven welcomed him with open arms, basketball court, a crowd ready for conversation, and a Jeopardy! Board he finally gets to dominate.

His absence will be deeply felt, but his love, laughter, and lessons will remain with us always.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Cheryl. Three children and spouses: Jill and Duane Becker of Lincoln, NE. Jason and Stacey Sudbeck of North Platte, NE. Melissa (Thoene) and John Sloup, Yankton, SD. Grandchildren Gavin, Cameron, McKenzie, and Nolan Becker. Skyler, Sydnee and Connor Sudbeck. Carter (Chase), Meghan, Hunter (Brooklynn), and Haiden Thoene. Great- Grandchildren Reiley and Haisleigh Thoene. Mother-in-law, Jolene Sudbeck. Numerous in-laws, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Viola Sudbeck, a brother Michael Sudbeck, and sister Marilyn Sudbeck; Infant Grandsons Alex and Taylor Becker. Father- in- law Allen Sudbeck.

“Well done, my good and faithful servant…” — Matthew 25:23

A farmer plants seeds never knowing all that will grow. Through faith, hard work, and love, he planted a beautiful legacy.