James "Jim" Edward Trudeau, 84, of Sturgis, SD, passed away surrounded by his family on Friday, August 27, 2021, at the Ft. Meade VA Hospital in Sturgis, SD.

James was born August 8, 1937, in Elk Point, SD, to Leo and Vera (Rosenberger) Trudeau. They lived on a farm near Elk Point and later moved to a farm near Vermillion, SD. When he was a small boy, he attended Spirit Mound grade school and later graduated from Vermillion high school in 1955.

He met the love of his life Marilyn Sorensen and they married on November 12, 1960. Shortly after their marriage, their first daughter, Laurie was born in 1961, followed by Lisa in 1962. Jim was called to serve for the Army National guard. After serving 6 years, Jim was called up for active duty and was station in Ft. Riley, KS, for another year and 6 months. After serving they returned to Vermillion to continue farming. In 1980, Jim and Marilyn decided to move to Sturgis, SD, where they lived on a ranch outside of Sturgis until they decided to purchase the Fireside Lounge in Sturgis. It was here they met and made so many dear friends over the years. Jim loved spending time with his family and friends. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and being the all-American cowboy. Jim believed strongly in the second amendment and was a lifetime member of the NRA.

Jim is survived by his wife of 60 years, Marilyn; two daughters, Laurie Grubl, and Lisa (Don) Baldwin, all of Sturgis, SD; four grandchildren, Stacy (Ryan) Murtha, Wilmington, NC, Tess (Brandon) Fisher, Rapid City, SD, Justin (Casey) Baldwin, Sturgis, SD, and Kim (Ryan) Scharf, Newcastle, WY, six great-grandchildren, Christopher Miller, Boulder, CO, Shane, and Colton Murtha. Wilmington. NC, Arya, and Ronan Baldwin, Sturgis, SD, and Mason Scharf, Newcastle WY; his sister-in-law, Marlene Trudeau; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Vera Trudeau; sisters and brothers-in-laws, Maxine and Lowell Christopherson, Dorthy and Melvin Marcott; brother, Richard "Dick" Trudeau; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Jean and Wally Mockler.

Committal services will be 11:00 a.m. on September 10, 2021, at Black Hills National cemetery near Sturgis with military honors.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation can be made to American Legion Post # 33 and the local VFW.

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