James Hayes

JAMES L. HAYES April 8, 1927 - May 18, 2014 James L. "Jim" Hayes, age 87, a long time Akeley, MN area resident passed away at his home on Sunday, May 18, surrounded by his loved ones while under the care of the St. Joseph's Area Hospice. Jim was born on April 8, 1927 in Bismarck, ND to John and Edna (Nelson) Hayes. As a boy he moved with his parents to a farm near Akeley. He attended and graduated from Akeley High School. He proudly served his country in the United States Army, until his honorable discharge. While in the Army James was awarded the World War II Victory Medal and the Army of Occupation Medal/Japan. On January 27, 1951, Jim was united in marriage to Deloris Semmler and they were blessed with five children: Joan, James E. "Jimmy", Lawrence, Kathy and Theresa. Jim owned and operated Hayes Farm Supply for a number of years before beginning his career as a heavy equipment operator building roads throughout the region. He was active in his community. He was a long time and active member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Akeley. He served on the White Oak Township Board for many years and supported his children in 4-H and Boy Scouts. He was also a bus driver the the Akeley School District for many years. Above all, Jim dedicated his life to his wife, children and grandchildren whom he loved with all his heart. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 63 years, Deloris of Akeley; his five children: Joan (Dan) Houchin of Nevis, MN, James E. (Pat) Hayes of Akeley, Lawrence (DeeAnn) Hayes of Akeley, Kathy (Ray) Sauer of St. Cloud and Theresa (Ron) Wells of Akeley; 16 grandchildren and 22 greatgrandchildren; his sister, Anna Mae Handevidt of Jackson, MN; five sisters-in-law: Irene Brindle of Hazelton, ND, Pearl Semmler of Grand Rapids, MN, Phyllis Semmler and Anne Semmler both of Akeley, MN and Mary Semmler of Salmon, ID; one step-sister, Caroline Streifel of Fargo, ND as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers: Dale Brindle, Elmer Brindle and Tom Hayes; six brothers-in-law; four sisters-in-law; one niece, two nephews, one stepbrother-in-law and one stepsister-in-law . Memorial services will be held 1:00 PM Tuesday, May 27, 2014 at St. Johns Lutheran Church in Akeley with Rev. Harvey Kietzman officiating. The organist will be: Kathy Sauer. Jims' daughters' will sing "I'm but A Stranger Here". Niece, Christie Semmler will sing, "On Eagles Wings" The urn bearer will be Granddaughter, Heidi Hilzendeger and the flag bearer will be Granddaughter, Wendi Hartig. The pall bearers will be grandsons: Richard Cutter, John Casey Cutter, Herbert Hensel, Joseph Sauer, Justin Sauer, Jon Sauer, Dwayne Hayes and James Hayes. The honorary pall bearers will be Nephews: Dan Semmler, Ronald Semmler, Gary Semmler, Richard Semmler, Keith Semmler, Edwin Semmler, Gene Brindle, Don Brindle, Bob Brindle, Scott Brindle, Jerry Brindle, and Michael Handevidt. The Star Of The North Marine Corps will provide military honors. Ray Vaadeland will play the Army anthem and taps. Interment will be held at the Akeley Cemetery at a later date. Visitation was held at St. Johns Lutheran Church in Akeley from 5 PM to 7:30 pm on Monday, May 26, 2014 and again at the church Tuesday one hour prior to the service. Memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers to the Communication Center, State Services for the Blind, 2200 University Ave. West #240, St. Paul, MN 55114-1840. The family wishes to thank the Veterans Administration, Caring Hands and St. Josephs Area Hospice.