James Wilmes

FUNERAL SERVICES : 3:00 P.M.on Friday, May 13, 2011 at the Redeemer Lutheran Church in Menahga, MN.VISITATION : 2:00 P.M. on Friday May 13, 2011 until the time of service at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Menahga, MN.INTERMENT : Greenwood Cemetery, Park Rapids, MinnesotaSURVIVORS : His wife for these past 58 years, Lorraine of Menahga; his six children: Eileen Nordback of Menahga, Lyle "Butch" (Charlene) Wilmes of Fergus Falls, MN, Julie Wilmes, Virgil (Kathryn) Wilmes of Menahga, Carl (Shaunna) Wilmes of Menahga and Glen (Michelle) Wilmes of Pillager; 12 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren; his brother, Clifford Wilmes of Clymer, PA. JAMES ALBERT "Jim" WILMESMay 25, 1930 " May 9, 2011 James Albert "Jim" Wilmes, age 80 of Menahga, MN passed from this life to eternal life on Monday, May 9, 2011 at his home west of Menahga. Jim was born on May 25, 1930 in Mankato, MN to Albert and Esther (Beyer) Wilmes. He attended public school in Mankato until age 10 when his family moved to Straight River Township south of Park Rapids where he attended country school. As a young man, Jim worked as a surveyor"s assistant for Hubbard County. On November 13, 1952, Jim was united in marriage to the prettiest gal in Becker County, Lorraine Eleanor Hensel. This union was blessed with six children: Eileen, Lyle "Butch", Julie, Virgil, Carl and Glen. Shortly after their marriage, Jim entered the United States Army where he proudly served his country in the Korean War. His tour of duty took him to the front lines of the 38th parallel for 18 months. He was honorably discharged in 1954 and returned to his wife and new baby daughter. His first job after the service was with Wilkins Feed and Seed in Park Rapids. In addition, he and Lorraine engaged in farming the home farm in Straight River Township. For many years, Jim worked at Harold Malm"s Sales Barn near Park Rapids. He also worked driving milk truck for a number of years where he will be remembered for his strength in lifting 2 full cream cans-one in each arm up onto the truck. In 1968, he started the Wilmes Blacksmith Shop in Menahga which he operated until 1976 when he sold his property to the city and then relocated to the farm west of town. He loved the outdoors, deer hunting, attending flea markets and auctions and just "wheeling and dealing". He was a long time member of the Guy L. McDermeit VFW Post #6209 in Menahga. Jim attended the Redeemer Lutheran Church in Menahga. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife for these past 58 years, Lorraine of Menahga; his six children: Eileen Nordback of Menahga, Lyle "Butch" (Charlene) Wilmes of Fergus Falls, MN, Julie Wilmes, Virgil (Kathryn) Wilmes of Menahga, Carl (Shaunna) Wilmes of Menahga and Glen (Michelle) Wilmes of Pillager; 12 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren; his brother, Clifford Wilmes of Clymer, PA as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by one son, Arnold in infancy; his parents; his sister, Adeline and his son-in-law, Carl Nordback. Funeral services will be held 3 PM Friday, May 13, 2011 at the Redeemer Lutheran Church in Menahga with the Reverend John Ramsbacher officiating. The organist will be RuthAnn Kinnunen. The casket bearers will be grandchildren: Scott Nordback, Michael Dunbar, Tyler Wilmes, Josalynn Bethel, Rochell E. Bethel and Jolene Flath. The honorary casket bearers will be; grandchildren: Carl Wilmes Jr., Kelly Wilmes, Jennifer Wilmes, Heather Wilmes, Garret Wilmes, Dylan Wilmes and great-grandchildren: Brandon Schoeberl, Taran Schoeberl, Courtney Schoeberl and Leo Brand. Interment will be made in the Greenwood Cemetery of Park Rapids. Visitation will be held beginning one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday. Following the service a luncheon reception will be hosted by Redeemer Lutheran Church.