Jack Martin Wanstedt, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, papa, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on May 4, 2025, in Belle Fourche, South Dakota, at the age of 94.

Jack was born on September 21, 1930, in Mobridge, South Dakota, to Agnes Larsen Wanstedt and Cameron Wanstedt. He was raised on the family farm south of Keldron and rode his horse to Moe School, a small country school down the road.

He graduated from Lemmon High School and earned his degree in Agricultural Engineering at South Dakota State University before serving his country in the U.S. Air Force Reserve from 1952-67 retiring at the rank of Captain. On active status from 1952-54, Jack was stationed primarily at Bitburg AFB in Germany with the 23rd Fighter-Bomber Squadron. He was a flight maintenance (armament) officer for F-86 Sabre aircraft, serving under his friend, future astronaut Deke Slayton.

Jack married the love of his life, Barbara Olson, in 1958. They were happily married for almost 56 years before Barb passed away in 2024.  Together they built a life on the family farm, growing cattle, wheat, and other grains. Daughter Kristen was born in 1959 with son Scott born in 1962.

Jack was skilled at diagnosing and repairing his farm equipment and could design and build almost anything. To the end, he would profess his love for Ford cars and trucks and John Deere tractors. He was actively involved in 4-H, VFW, Corson County Crop Improvement Association, Thunderhawk Co-op Board, and Corson County Conservation District.

Jack embraced the outdoors and shared his love of nature with his family. Sunday afternoons were often filled with motorcycle rides through the countryside, fishing, hunting, swimming at Shadehill Lake, camping adventures, and ice skating or sledding in the winter. Many evenings were spent playing board and card games. These moments created cherished memories and passed down Jack's deep appreciation for life's simple, joyful pleasures.

In 1995, Jack and Barb retired from farm life and moved to their cabin in Spearfish Canyon. They enjoyed several winters traveling to Arizona and Texas in their 5th wheel trailer.

Jack was instrumental in the founding of the Spearfish Canyon Volunteer Fire Department and served as the Assistant Chief and Treasurer.

Faith was central to Jack's life, and he worshiped faithfully at Bethel Lutheran Church in Morristown, Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Spearfish, and Immanuel Lutheran Church in Whitewood.

Jack is survived by his sister, Jean Vogt of Columbia Falls, MT, children Kristen Jones (Sam) of College Station, TX, and Scott Wanstedt (Patsy) of Spearfish, SD; grandchildren Karissa Barragan (Mike), Kelli MacAfee (Greg), Heather Boulger (Hastin), and Blake Wanstedt (Samantha); and great-grandchildren Alice, Lucy, and Henry Barragan; Margaret and Molly MacAfee; and Lincoln and Reagan Boulger. Jack was also greatly loved by Mike and Danni Beer, who took over the family farm. He was predeceased by his parents, his wife, his brother-in-law Bill Vogt and sister-in-law Marilyn Olson.

Jack's legacy is one of quiet leadership, deep integrity, and a life well-lived. He will be remembered not only for what he accomplished, but for the warmth he brought into the lives of others—through his steady hands, generous heart, sense of humor, and the joy he found in both work and play.

The family would like to thank the staff and residents at Belle Estate, along with Lyla Fahrenbruck and Jenni Karp, for their loving care of Jack and Barb.

A celebration of life service will be held at 11:00 AM on May 16th at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Whitewood, SD. It will also be available for viewing on the church YouTube channel. Memorials may be made in Jack's honor to the Spearfish Canyon Fire Protection District, Immanuel Lutheran Church, or the charity of your choice.

Arrangements are under the care of Isburg Crematory of Spearfish.