John “Jack” Charles Ockenga, 77, of Flandreau, South Dakota, passed away on July 29, 2026 at Avera Flandreau Hospital. The family will be present for visitation from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Tuesday, August 4, 2026 at Skroch Funeral Chapel in Flandreau, SD. A celebration of life followed by luncheon will take place on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 beginning at 11:00 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
On September 23, 1948, a son was born to Chester and Wanda Ockenga in Flandreau, South Dakota. They named him John Charles Ockenga, but that name only lasted a few moments before he earned the nickname “Jack,” a name that would stay with him for the rest of his life.
He grew up in the Colman area and graduated from Colman High School. On April 15, 1967, he married Barbara Jean Bunker in Pipestone, Minnesota. Together, they built a life filled with faith, love, laughter, and adventure and were blessed with a large family that became the center of Jack’s life.
During their early years together, Jack and Barbara lived in Michigan, where Jack developed a lifelong love of 4-H, horses, and the western way of life. Countless hours were spent hauling kids—whether they were his own or the neighbors—to county fairs, horse shows, and rodeos. The adventures of riding and rodeos continued after the family moved to Colorado, where Jack discovered his passion for the mountains and hunting. He loved a good hunting trip, enjoying both the beauty of the outdoors and the time spent with others along the way.
Eventually, Jack brought his family back to South Dakota, where he continued his trade, installing countertops and laying miles of flooring. His craftsmanship can be found in countless homes and businesses throughout the area, a lasting testament to his strong work ethic and attention to detail.
More important than anything he built with his hands was the foundation he built within his family. Jack taught his children the importance of working hard, always doing their best, and keeping their faith in Jesus Christ at the center of their lives. Those lessons became part of the legacy he leaves behind.
Without question, Jack’s greatest joy was his family. His grandchildren were the light of his life, and he never missed an opportunity to share stories about their accomplishments, activities, and adventures. Whether he was attending an event, offering encouragement, or simply bragging about them to anyone who would listen, he was an incredibly proud grandpa.
Jack never met a stranger. He loved stopping at a small-town café or gas station, where a simple cup of coffee often turned into a long conversation with friends or someone he had just met. He also never passed up the chance to spend a day at an auction, visiting with familiar faces.
One saying that found its way into countless conversations was, “I’ve always lived right off of Highway 34.” It was one of those little details that somehow always led to another story and became part of what made our dad, Jack.
While he could spend hours visiting face-to-face, his phone conversations were usually kept short and to the point. And when it was finally time to head home, those around him could count on hearing his familiar goodbye: “Well, I suppose…” before he quietly made his exit.
Fittingly, after a lifetime of living just off Highway 34, he will now rest peacefully just off that same familiar road.
Jack’s legacy lives on through the faith he shared, the family he cherished, the work he took pride in, and the countless lives he touched through his kindness, generosity, and gift of conversation.
Grateful for having shared his life are his wife, Barbara of Flandreau, South Dakota; his children, Kammi VanderZiel (Gene) of Kenneth, Minnesota; Kiersti Taylor (Jon) of Berthoud, Colorado; Sidney and Dylan Ockenga (Tob’s children); Katti Geraets (David) of Humboldt, South Dakota; Travis (Amanda) of Jasper, Minnesota; Timothy (Rebecca) of Garretson, South Dakota; Tony (Jenny) of Harrisburg, South Dakota; Thomas (Sheena) of Hartford, South Dakota; Klara of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Tyler (Kylie) of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Tharron (Erin) of Beresford, South Dakota; and Thierry (Shelby) of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He is also lovingly remembered by his 50 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, his brother, Bob (Karen) Ockenga, and many brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
Jack was preceded in death by his son, Tob Ockenga; his parents, Chet and Wanda Ockenga; his sister, Twyla Preston; and his in-laws, Archie and Max Bunker, Sue Fey-Uilk, and Jeff Bunker.
www.skrochfc.com