JAMES MUTSCHELKNAUS

Funeral services for James Mutschelknaus, 75, of Black Hawk will be held Saturday, September 13 at 10 a.m., at Martinus Lutheran Church, rural Utica. The burial is at Garden of Memories in Yankton. Following the burial will be fellowship at Martinus. Peters Funeral Home in Wagner is in charge of arrangements. James “Jim” Mutshcelknaus was born September 1, 1949 to Elmer and Erna (Grosz) Mutschelknaus of rural Lesterville. He passed away on Monday, August 25, 2025 at his home in Black Hawk after a short illness. Jim attended grade school at Odessa #24 country school. He attended Scotland High School, graduating in 1967. Jim furthered his schooling by attending Springfield College, getting his degree in diesel mechanics. He spent most of his career working for Butler Machinery in Rapid City. Annual family trips to the Black Hills sparked Jim’s love for the Black Hills. He spent most of his life living in the Black Hills area. Jim loved nature and animals, especially his cats, KC, Missy, Big Boy and Boots. He loved studying paleontology and history. Jim was a certified scuba diver and enjoyed what he could find while diving. Jim restored the 1952 Model T030 Harry Ferguson from the farm. He joined the Tri-State Old Iron group,Yankton. He drove Harry on many of their annual tractor drives. In January 2001, Jim met the love of his life Samm Schmidt. Together they filled their home with love, laughter and devotion. Samm was by Jim’s side as he took his last breath. Jim is survived by Samm, stepson Rick Schmidt, step grandsons Conner and Riley; sisters: Mary Magstadt, Marlys Mutshcelknaus, and Lois Pravecek; nephews, nieces, great nephews and great nieces: Kurt (Lori) Magstadt and their son Troy (Brooke) Magstadt, Nick (Nikita) Pravecek, Liz (Dustin) Brandt and children (Hoyt and Haley), Rachel (Eric) Giblin and children Jack, Brooks, Trae and Brynn. Jim was preceded in death by parents Elmer and Erna Mutschelknaus; brotherin-law Jim Pravecek and nephew Jesse Pravacek.