James Osterloo

James “Jim” Robert Osterloo, 78, of Hartford and formerly of Emery and Freeman passed away at Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls on January 15th. A Celebration of Life will be held at 5pm on Friday, January 23rd at St. Martin’s Parish Center in Emery.

Jim was born October 7, 1947, in Mitchell, South Dakota to Lillian (Christman) and Hans Osterloo, joining siblings Ray and Rosanna. He grew up on a farm near Emery, Jim enjoyed fast cars and hanging with friends. He served in South Dakota National Guard from 1967-1971, where he met some life time friends. He married Mary K. Stoltz on May 2, 1975. Together, they shared 50 beautiful years of marriage, raised 6 children, each bringing two to the marriage and later adding two more and built a home filled with love and laughter.

Jim’s professional life included owning a gas station, in 1973 he became Chief of Police of Emery for 20+ years before being forced to retire due to Macular Degeneration. Even after retirement he moved to Freeman and enjoyed wrapping silverware at Papa’s. He loved spending time with his family, cars, mopeds and collecting guns. Jim was quite the man, he had a special place in his heart for stray animals, he loved playing pranks, fishing and camping, and talking to anyone that would lend a ear to tell them his stories. (Very few of them true!)

Those who will continue to honor Jim’s life include his children Brad Osterloo of Mitchell, SD; Jeri (Clark) Mickelson of Mitchell, SD; Nicole (Jeff) Bartscher of Montrose, SD; Cassie (Craig) Derry of Freeman SD; Travis (Ashly) Osterloo of Hartford, SD; Troy Osterloo of Sioux Falls, SD. 10 grandchildren and their families Micah Osterloo of Sioux Falls, SD; Marisa Osterloo of Mitchell, SD; Skyler Mickelson of Mitchell, SD; Renner (Grace) Mickelson of Salt Lake City, Utah; Halle Mickelson of Mitchell, SD; Megan (Jason) Schmidt and great-grandchildren Jessa and Joey, of Tea, SD; Alycia (AJ) Rieckman and great-grandaughters Bailey and Isabella of Sioux Falls, SD; Renae (Grant) Burggraff and twins due March 2026, of Chester, SD; Ashley (Logan) Machtemes and great-grandson Paxton, of Faulkton, SD; and Tegan Derry and significant other Kenzie Davis of Sioux Falls, SD; brother Ray Osterloo of Emery, SD; sister Rosanna Swyter of Emery, SD; brother-in-law John Stoltz of Colorado and brother-in-law Ron (Mercedes) Stoltz of Florida and many other nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his spouse Mary, parents Hans and Lillian Osterloo, parents-in-law Carl and Darlene Stoltz, sister-in-law Joan Osterloo, brother-in-law Merle Swyter, sister-in-law Sandra Stoltz, nephew Dusty Stoltz and niece Danielle Stoltz.