John M. "Jack" Casey, age 87, of Mitchell, SD died Tuesday, May 29, 2012 at Avera Queen of Peace Hospital, surrounded by family and cared for by a very special group of nurses and staff. Funeral services will be 11:00 AM Friday June 1, 2012 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church with burial at Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM Thursday May 31, 2012 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church with a prayer service beginning at 7:00 PM. Arrangements are under the direction of the Will Funeral Chapel.

Jack, son of Edward and Agnes (Kappenman) Casey, was born July 5, 1924 in Dolton, SD. One of seven children, he moved with his family to a farm just north of Mitchell in 1930. Jack graduated from Notre Dame School and attended South Dakota School of Mines. He taught school at Kimball Country School for two years. In the early 1950's Jack was the manager of JF Anderson Lumber in Kennebec when he met Virginia Schoenfelder, the love of his life. Jack and Virginia were united in marriage on April 11, 1953, in Kennebec. The couple made their home in Kennebec for two years before Jack returned to farming, first near Letcher and then, upon the retirement of his father in 1957, to the farm north of Mitchell where he grew up. He continued the family tradition of vegetable farming for the next 30 years, retiring in 1988. This was very much a family affair, with Jack tending the crops, Virginia running the open-air market known as Casey's Gardens, and their children involved in all aspects of the venture.

Jack and Virginia were blessed with eight children, Carol (Richard) Meyer, Omaha, NE, Vikki Casey Steward, Eden Prairie, MN, Pat (Mei) Casey, Singapore, Bruce Casey, Mitchell, SD, Brian (Julie) Casey, Littleton, CO, Mark (Mary) Casey, Tucson, AZ, Dan Casey, and Linda (Jeff) McEntee, Mitchell, SD. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren, Sean, Michael, Megan, Jonathan, Joshua, Natalie, Tyler, Karlie, Joe, Kyle and Jodi; two sisters, Janece (Ben) Monaghan, Toronto, Ontario, Delores Kovarik, Englewood, CO; and more than 50 nieces and nephews.

A compassionate man of integrity who would stand up for his neighbor as well as his family, Jack was a member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Mitchell. He always put his family first and especially loved spending time with his grandchildren. When he was younger, Jack always loved a good pheasant hunt, and in his later years he enjoyed the afternoon gatherings of his coffee group. He never turned down a game of pinochle or a chance to try someone's homemade jam.

He was preceded in death by his son, Dan; his parents; three brothers, Jerry, Ed and Dennis; and a sister, Virginia. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established.