Ciro “Ace” Arizmendis Jr.

A funeral service for Ciro “Ace” Arizmendis, Jr. was held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at St. John Lutheran Church in Gregory, SD, with Pastor Gary Jacobsen officiating. Melanie Hannahs accompanied the congregation on organ for On Eagles Wings, and Christina (Marceline) Gabriel and Aundra (Richey) Johnson were soloists for other selections. Sharon Neuharth and Donna Harrison were in charge of registration, and Monica Poppe, Kristin Ries, and Megan Hamilton were flower attendants. Casket bearers were Brandon Arizmendis, Lem Albury, Dillon Janousek, Heath Taylor, Daniel Harrison, and Jerry Salonen. Honorary Casket Bearers were Jim Hogrefe, Ken Dooley, Willie Bearshield, Mark Ellwanger, Geoff Smith, Donovan Lambley, Bruce Berg, Russ Grim, and all of Ace’s loyal customers and many friends.

Interment was at the IOOF Cemetery in Gregory, SD. Kotrba-Smith Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Ace (Ciro) Arizmendis, Jr. was born August 29, 1961, in Austin, TX. He was the third child of Ciro and Loretta (Amaya) Arizmendis. Ace spent some of his early childhood years in Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas. He attended school in Rexford, KS, where he also enjoyed playing football. He later moved to South Dakota with a friend, where he met the love of his life.

Ace married Lori Schweigert on November 28, 1981, at St. John Lutheran Church. He worked many jobs including milking cows, farming, road construction, raising cattle, and his favorite—backhoe work. In 2003, Ace made the decision to build his own backhoe business with his wife from the ground up while also raising cattle, doing field work, and helping raise three beautiful children. Ace also owned a car wash, laundromat, and RV Park which his family continues to operate.

Ace enjoyed hunting, fishing with his kids and grandkids, and going to the casino. He cherished family get-togethers, throwing some food on the grill, and just hanging out together. Ace taught his kids to always put that tool back where you found it, never give up, be honest, and always do the right thing. Ace was an extremely hard worker and has helped so many families throughout his life. He chose to work, over a vacation, any day.

Ace was a member of St. John Lutheran Church, where he was also baptized and a trustee. He lost his battle to cancer on September 28, 2025, at home with his wife and loyal dog, Ollie, by his side.

Ace is survived by his wife Lori; three children: Sara (Lem) Albury of Miami, FL, Brandon (Karley) Arizmendis of Gregory, SD, and Mindi (Dillon) Janousek of Fairfax, SD; four grandchildren: LJ Albury, Liam Albury, Breckyn Arizmendis, and Brody Arizmendis; his mother Loretta; siblings: Liz, Leo, Dan, and half-sister Beatrice; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father Ciro, step father Joe Trevino, and half-brother Lee Trevino.