James R. "Jim" Deters (93) of Sigel
Published on July 9 2021 2:07 pm
James R. (Jim) Deters, 93, of Sigel passed away peacefully Thursday, July 9th at HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday July 14, 2021, at St. Michael the Archangel Church in Sigel, with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday July 13, 2021 at the church. Memorials may be made to St Michael’s Church or School, Sigel Illinois. Bauer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences can be left by clicking here.
Jim was born September 15, 1927 in rural Teutopolis, the son of August (Gus) and Frances (Pals) Deters. He married the love of his life, Louise Repking, on April 25,1953 in Bishop Creek. She preceded him in death on July 30, 2011.
Jim was the patriarch of his family in every sense of the word. His stern voice yet gentle guidance helped him earn the respect of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren alike. He was a farmer through and through, working the land and operating Deters Dairy Farm, his next greatest love. He was often heard saying that farming was the best profession in the world.
He purchased a farm in rural Sigel, living and working there all his adult life, and his love for the area grew every day. He and his wife Louise used the lessons of farm life to teach their 7 children the values and work ethic they all have today.
Jim was a dedicated member and supporter of St. Michael’s Church and School, serving as trustee for the church and on the Athletic Board at the School for many years. He was also actively involved in the both the Sigel and farming communities, serving on the boards of many organizations including the Dairy Herd Improvement Association, Cumberland County Soil and Water Board, Effingham Holstein Association and Cumberland County Farm Bureau. He was a member of the Sigel American Legion and was a 4-H leader for 10 years. Jim and his family were awarded the 4-H Family Spirit Award in 2011. He also served our country in the United States Army for 2 years.
Jim is survived by his children; sons: Kenny (Karen) Deters of Sigel, Chuck (Anita) Deters of Teutopolis, and Tim (Kathy) Deters of Sigel; daughters: Kathy (Alf) Ruholl of Teutopolis, Patty Probst of Dieterich, Joyce (Gary) Johnson of Newton; and Connie Koester of Effingham; 25 grandchildren and 30 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters; Eleanor Gebben of Teutopolis, Irene (Jerome) Probst of Bishop, and Rita (Tom) Thoele of Teutopolis; sisters-in-law: Luella Buscher, Lorraine Zerrusen, Bernice (Norbert) Lohman and Wilma (Joe) Beckman, all of Teutopolis; Pauline Repking of Bishop; Mary Jane (Joe) Bierman of Newton; Evelyn (Ronald Probst and Betty (Tom) Pals of Effingham; Marge (John) Asbury of St. Louis, Mo.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother: Joe Deters; sister: Elizabeth; sons-in-law: Mark Probst and Melvin Koester; great grandchildren: Evie Lawler, Samuel and Charlotte Ruholl; sisters-in-law Mary Lou Deters and Doris Repking; and brothers-in-law: Louis Buscher, Mike Repking, Jim Zerrusen, Louis Repking, and Gene Gebben.