Jonathan Huitema, 25, of Chamberlain, unexpectedly passed away on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2019, at Kimball.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, Sept. 17, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Yankton. Visitation and prayer services were held Monday, Sept. 16, at the Goglin Funeral Home in Yankton. Burial was at Garden of Memories Cemetery in Yankton.

Jonathan “Ringo” Huitema was born on Sept. 13, 1993 to Jeffrey and Pam (Heidinger) Huitema at Mitchell. Jonathan attended Roosevelt High School in Sioux Falls.

Since he was incredibly smart, the classroom proved too slow for him so he graduated from high school early in 2011. At the age of 18, he began working for a watermelon farm in Forestburg where he learned to drive truck. Through this job, he discovered his passion for being behind the wheel and went on to be an independent truck driver ultimately driving through the majority of the continental United States.

He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially out on the ranch with his Uncle Doug in Miller. In his spare time, he also loved fishing with his little buddy Colton. 

Jonathan had a heart of gold and was quick to hug. He would help anybody with anything. Jonathan believed that there were only two things that really mattered in life, “Did you find happiness in your life? Did you bring happiness to others?” 

He is survived by the love of his life, Shantel Bairey of Chamberlain; son, Otto Huitema; parents, Pam Heidinger of Mitchell and Jeff (Lori) Huitema of Yankton; sister, Brittany (Nick) Chappell of Greenfield, Ind.; brothers, Derrick Huitema of Yankton and Donavan Heidinger of Mitchell; grandmothers, Betty Heidinger of Mitchell and JoAnn Huitema of Yankton; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins who he loved very much… and of course, his fellow truck driving brothers.

He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Don Heidinger and Jon Huitema; and uncle, David Heidinger.