Eric Quail

Eric Quail, age 64, of Brandt, S.D., passed away with his family at his side on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025, at the Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls, S.D. A celebration of his life was held Saturday, Feb. 22, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Clear Lake, S.D. Houseman Funeral Home of Clear Lake has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Eric Lee Quail was born Feb. 18, 1960, in Hendricks, Minn., to Orville and Delva (Olson) Quail. He grew up in rural Deuel County and graduated from Clear Lake High School in 1978. He attended SDSU, focusing on agriculture.
On Aug. 2, 1980, Eric was united in marriage to Tammy Tesch at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Clear Lake, and together they shared 44 and a half years together. They were blessed with two children: Josi and Jordan. 
At the age of 14, his dad gave him two bee hives, apparently sparking an interest in beekeeping since after managing a bin-building crew for a number of years, he changed his career path and started working for John Kooiman, where he studied and explored migratory beekeeping activity for several years. In 1990, when John decided to return to his previous vocation, Eric began his own very successful beekeeping business, Quail Honey, which he actively maintained until his death.
Eric was a man of many talents and a kind and gentle soul. Eric was known for his generous spirit and his willingness to help anyone who needed it. He found joy in the outdoors, especially the thrill of the hunt and spent countless hours in the field or at a lake sharing his love of hunting and fishing with his family and friends. Eric was a fighter, and over the years, with his persistence and positive attitude, he overcame a number of heart problems that threatened to interfere with his life. His perseverance and optimistic attitude are examples that all should follow. Eric loved to read. His favorite reading materials were Westerns and detective novels, although he would read whatever was available.
Eric is survived by his wife, Tammy of Brandt; daughter, Josi (Brian) Ulvestad, Brookings, S.D.; son, Jordan (Brooke) Quail, Brandt; grandsons, Asher and Zander Ulvestad; granddaughter, Faith; brother, Gary (Jan) Quail; sister, Arla (Chuck) Olson; sister-in-law, Shirley Quail; 14 nieces and nephews, several grand nieces and nephews; and his beloved dogs, Marigold and Buckwheat, his constant companions.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Ordell Quail; sister, Susan Kappel; and nephew, Troy Quail.