FORDYCE ― Lawrence “Buddy” Peitz, 87, Fordyce, died Jan. 20, 2024, at Avera McKennan Hospital, Sioux Falls, S.D.

Mass of Christian Burial was Jan. 30 at St. Boniface Catholic Church, Menominee, with Rev. Jim Keiter officiating.

Burial was in the parish cemetery. Visitation and a Wake service were Jan. 29 at St. Boniface Catholic Church.

The Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home & Crematory, Yankton, SD assisted with the service details.

Lawrence “Buddy” Peitz was born Feb. 26, 1935, in Fordyce, to Joseph and Josephine (Shafer) Peitz. He married the love of his life, Betty Shrempp, Aug. 27, 1957.

Together Buddy and Betty created a beautiful family tree, one that bore lots of fruit and will continue to grow long after their departure. Buddy didn’t ask for a lot ― just to be surrounded by family and to have meaningful work to do. He loved being on the farm and didn’t see much of a reason to leave. He found joy in working with his hands and providing for his family ― not only on the farm, but also through several artistic talents he discovered later in life. He and Betty spent hours in the basement, crafting the perfect red blend to pair with their homegrown beef. His handcrafted woodwork hangs on the walls and stands tall in the homes of each of his 10 children and the homes of his grandchildren.

Buddy was a man of faith and family. He was dedicated to his parish, St. Boniface, where he raised his family and led the rosary. He looked out for his neighbors; and loved nothing more than a friendly, (slightly competitive) game of euchre with his friends and family.

Buddy is survived by three sons, Bruce (Nancy) Fordyce; Brian (Denise), Fordyce; and Chris (Shelly), Mitchell, S.D.; seven daughters, Lisa (Bill) Berry, Yankton, S.D.; Lori (Larry) Leader, Yankton, S.D.; Carla (Dave) Rothluebber, Fordyce; Michelle (Ed) Lammers, Hartington; Jenny Che’Raven, Crestone, Colo.; Dawn (Shayne) Pulver, Hendersonville, Tenn.; and Nicole (Jay) Kim, Arvada, Colo.; 27 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren; his brother, Jim Peitz, Crofton; and sister, Florence Luft, Omaha.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Peitz; parents, Joseph and Josephine Peitz; brothers, Richard Peitz and Ray Peitz; and sisters, Irene Wuebben and Jeanette Wieseler.