Gerben Jake Wynia, 81, of Springfield

Funeral services will be 1:30 pm, Tuesday, June 19, 2012 with Pastor Linda Schortzmann officiating at the Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home in Springfield. Burial is in the Pioneer Cemtery in rural Springfield. Visitation is at the funeral home on Monday from 7 to 8 PM, with the family present.

Gerben Jake Wynia, son of Nick and Clara (Baxter) Wynia, was born September 24, 1930 in Madison, MN, in the county of Lac qui Parle. He passed at home on Saturday, June 16, 2012 after a long struggle with cancer surrounded by loved ones. Gerben attained the age of 81 years, 8 months and 22 days.

Gerben married Marcleen Joann Einrem on February 18, 1952 at Vermillion, SD. Eight children were blessed to this union.

Gerben will be remembered for his strong family values and his love for farming. He really enjoyed the time when his family was around and spending time with them. He farmed all of his life in the southeastern corner of Bon Homme County. Gerben was an avid fisherman. He also loved hunting and playing on the Avon Mets baseball team. One fond memory that will always be remembered by all that loved him was the weekly Sunday morning coffee and fishing get togethers with Dean Wynia.

Thankful for having shared his life are his wife of sixty years, Marcleen of Springfield; sons: Dennis (Jenean) of Springfield; Kenneth of Tyndall; Russell of Springfield; and Gerald (Tammy) of Avon; daughters: Donna Wynia of Springfield; Debra (Curt) Neugebauer of Dimock; and Sharon (Dennis) McBrayer of Ethan; daughter-in-law, Carol Wynia of Sioux Falls; 14 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; sister, Lillian (Walter) Einrem of Springfield; brother, Donald (Betty) Wynia of Springfield; sister-in-law, MaryLou (Ray) Livingston of Yankton; brother-in-law, Charlie Einrem of Springfield; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Gerben was preceded in death by his parents; son, Gary Lee Wynia; mother and father-in-law, Grace and Carl Einrem; and sister-in-law, Joyce Krisl.