Jean Stiefvater, 66, of Salem passed away at Avera McKennan Hospital on July 16, 2021. A funeral mass will be held at 10:30 am on Wednesday, July 21 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Salem. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will begin at 12 pm on Tuesday at Kinzley Funeral Home. Visitation will continue at the church, with family present from 5 -7 pm and a 7 pm prayer service.
Jean Marie Feterl Stiefvater was born October 17, 1954 in Mitchell SD. She was the third of four children born to Don and Peg (Donelan) Feterl. She attended St. Mary’s Grade and High school and graduated from Salem High in 1972. After graduation, she worked in Pierre, SD for two years and then at Feterl Manufacturing in Salem. She married David Stiefvater in 1976. They reared two boys and have made their home in Salem for the past 44 years. She also worked as a trained dental assistant at Salem Dental, Salem Farmers Market and did the accounts for their family business, Dave’s Electric.
She was active in the Salem School Boosters, McCook County Food Pantry and St. Mary's Parish funeral committee. She will always be remembered for her friendly personality and giving spirit. Jean was always the first to lend a hand when someone was in need and could never be outdone with her generosity and kindness. There was never a family birthday or anniversary that went by without her remembering it with a card. No finer friend could one find.
She is survived by her husband David of Salem, sons Adam (Jill) Garretson, SD., and Greg (Kase’) Floyds Knob IN., five granddaughters, Brynlee, Drew, Lauryn, Cooper and Campbell, her brother Jim Feterl (Linda) of Mitchell and her sister, S. Joyce Feterl, OSB of Yankton, her in-laws, Harold and Joan Mae Stiefvater, brothers and sisters in law Bob, Brad, Kenny, Nick, Nannette, Mary and Kathy. She is preceded in death by her parents and one brother and one brother in law.
