James Weaver

FUNERAL SERVICES : 10:00 A.M. on Saturday, February 25, 2012 at the First English Lutheran Church in Dorset, MN with Reverend Chris Davis officiating.VISITATION : 5-8:00 P.M. on Friday, February 24, 2012 at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids, MN and for one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday.INTERMENT : Greenwood Cemetery, Park Rapids, MinnesotaSURVIVORS : His daughter, Sharon (Elmer) Koskela and his son, Gerald (Janey) Weaver all of Park Rapids; his ten grandchildren: Greg Koskela of Park Rapids, Roslyn Sanders of Fargo, Jason (Tracie) Koskela of Park Rapids, Heidi Koskela of Osage, Melissa (Shane) Plautz, Jeremy Weaver and Thomas (Kiley) Weaver all of Park Rapids, Mandy (Bryce) Kupitz of Hendrum, Andrew Weaver and Nick (Leah) Weaver all of Park Rapids; soon to be 17 great grandchildren and sister-in-law, Arlys Weaver of Bemidji. JAMES WILLIAM WEAVERNovember 26, 1921 " February 19, 2012 James William Weaver, age 90, a life long Park Rapids, MN area resident passed away on Sunday, February 19, 2012 at the Green Pine Acres Nursing Home in Menahga, MN. James was born on November 26, 1921 in Park Rapids, MN to Moffit and Anna (Kueffner) Weaver. He grew up on his parent"s farm east of Park Rapids in Henrietta Township. James attended public school in Park Rapids at what is now the Park Rapids Seed House. He graduated with the Class of 1941. When World War II broke out, James immediately joined the United States Army at the young age of 17 where he proudly served his country in the European theatre of war. James shipped out as a member of Battery B and landed on Normandy Beach where he quickly learned the grim realities of war in the Battle of the Bulge. He returned home to Park Rapids where he engaged in dairy farming. On January 17, 1947, James was united in marriage to Helen Elaine Schrum at the First English Lutheran Church in Dorset. This union was blessed with two children: Sharon and Gerald. James enjoyed the challenges and rigors of farm life. He built up a fine herd of holstein dairy cattle and worked hard in transforming the rugged land into a productive farm. In a career that spanned over 35 years James, along with his son Gerald, cared for his dairy herd, beef cattle and hogs. In 1981, he retired from farming and moved to a home located between Sweitzer Lake and Rockwell Lake. James was a man who loved the outdoors. He enjoyed fishing the waters he knew well near his home. When time allowed, he especially enjoyed venturing north into Canada where he angled for the elusive walleye and lake trout. James also looked forward to the autumn season when he could be hunting the area ponds and lakes for ducks and geese. He especially looked forward to time he could spend hunting or fishing with his grandchildren and passing on to them his love for wildlife. Especially during his retirement years, James enjoyed working in his vegetable garden raising an abundant harvest to share with family and friends. He endured the heart ache of losing his precious wife, Helen in 2004. He was a faithful and long time member of the First English Lutheran Church of Dorset. Above all, James devoted his life to his wife, children and grandchildren who he loved with all his heart. James will be lovingly remembered by his daughter, Sharon (Elmer) Koskela and his son, Gerald (Janey) Weaver all of Park Rapids; his ten grandchildren: Greg Koskela of Park Rapids, Roslyn Sanders of Fargo, Jason (Tracie) Koskela of Park Rapids, Heidi Koskela of Osage, Melissa (Shane) Plautz, Jeremy Weaver and Thomas (Kiley) Weaver all of Park Rapids, Mandy (Bryce) Kupitz of Hendrum, Andrew Weaver and Nick (Leah) Weaver all of Park Rapids; soon to be 17 great grandchildren; l sister-in-law, Arlys Weaver of Bemidji, MN as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his wife; his parents; 3 brothers: Emery, Harold and Curt and 2 sisters: Thelma and a sister in infancy. Funeral services will be held 10 AM Saturday, February 25th at First English Lutheran Church in Dorset with Reverend Chris Davis officiating. The organist will be Lila Kalish. Casketbearers will be all of James" grandchildren. Interment will be made next to his wife, Helen at the Greenwood Cemetery in Park Rapids. The Star of The North Marine Corps League will provide military honors. A lunch reception will be hosted by the First English Lutheran Church. Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 PM on Friday and at the church on Saturday beginning at 9 AM.