James Leo Muhlenkort (Jim) passed away on Sunday, April 2, 2023 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Services will be held on Thursday, April 6, 2023 at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Beresford, SD at 2pm.

Jim was born on November 20, 1937 to Leo and Ann Muhlenkort. He grew up in the Beresford area and lived in South Dakota for most of his life. As a child, Jim worked on the farm and drove anything that had wheels. Some of his favorite stories to tell started with him sitting in the driver's seat of a tractor, a truck, a motorcycle, or a new car.

Jim married his best friend, Cindy Voegeli, on September 18, 1976 at Zion Methodist Church. They settled down in Beresford and raised four children. One of their favorite things to do as a family was vacation in the Black Hills during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Later in life, Jim enjoyed continuing this tradition with his grandkids. In addition to vacationing with his grandkids, he very patiently taught them all to drive in his "big red truck" on the country roads around Beresford. He also enjoyed showing them how to start a good campfire and taking them out on the boat.

He always had time for drinking coffee with friends, telling a few good jokes, and listening to a few good stories. Jim didn't know the meaning of the word "stranger". Everyone was a friend and he could have a conversation with anyone, and frequently did. If you ever asked Jim how he was feeling he always said "finer than spider-webs" or "finer than frog hair, even if you split it".

He loved being outside, riding motorcycles, listening to Willie's Roadhouse on the radio, playing cards, camping with the grandkids, driving the snowplow, and looking at the countryside (usually with a chocolate marshmallow sundae in hand). At harvest time, he would help on the Christensen farms however he could, usually by driving the tractors and trucks. It was just another way for him to be behind the wheel.

Jim is survived by his wife Cindy, his daughters Nicole (JD) Ackman , Jaccii (Curt) Hoffbeck, and Natalee (Cody) Horlyk, his granddaughters Kaylen Hoffbeck, Kollyns Hoffbeck, and Camryn Muhlenkort, his grandson Jack Ackman, his daughters Susan Muhlenkort, Cindy Edwards, Sherry Strait, and son Gary Muhlenkort, his brothers Charlie Muhlenkort and Bill Muhlenkort, his sister Cleo Alt, and his beloved dog Molly. He also leaves behind numerous friends, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Leo and Ann Muhlenkort, his father and mother in law Kenneth and Gwynneth Voegeli, and his son Cory Muhlenkort.