James Edward Peck

James Edward Peck (Jim) 83 of Sun City, CA, formerly of Austin, MN, completed his earthly journey and peacefully entered the safety of God’s presence and eternal life on August 24, 2024. Jim was born in Rushville, Nebraska on April 29, 1941, to Magdelena (Abbenhaus) and Walter Peck. His early years were spent at Pine Ridge, South Dakota, where his father was employed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, then later, at Crow Creek Reservation near Chamberlain, South Dakota. He graduated high school in Rapid City, South Dakota in 1959, and then attended Wessington Springs Junior College (WSJC) after spending some time learning carpentry from his brother-in-law, Darwin Hoefer. At WSJC he met, fell in love, and married Vera Kahlstorf on August 29,1964. Both graduated Greenville College in Illinois in 1966, where Jim earned a BA in Philosophy and Religion. He then attended Asbury Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky, for two years before being called to become the general contractor of a new church building in Fargo, North Dakota. 

In 1970, Jim and Vera moved to Valley City, ND, where Jim pastored a church and started The One-Way Coffee House in the church basement for about 100 teens and college students in the community to hang out, learn about Christ, and have fun. In 1979, Jim and Vera moved to Austin, MN, where he practiced carpentry and did other jobs, and then in 1998, he became manager of the Courtyard Apartments (an HRA facility). He loved the residents there and enjoyed time serving them. His retirement in 2010 allowed him to do what he loved; collect unusual woods from around the world and make beautiful bells or pens on his turning lathe. He gifted all his pens to family, friends, Christian workers, church guests, and musicians. He made hundreds of them! Jim and Vera lived in Austin, MN, until April 2023 when they moved to assisted living in Sun City, CA. 

Jim served the Lord Jesus Christ in many creative ways using his gifts and talents. He found great joy in being of help to people wherever he was. He dearly loved his wife Vera, and he was so very proud of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren as well as his daughters and sons-in-law, and loved to spend time with them and tell others about their adventures and successes. His sense of humor and teasing often brought smiles and laughter. 

Preceding him in death were his parents, Magdelena Rockhold and Walter Peck, stepfather Ray Rockhold, brother Walter, sister Deloris Hoefer and nephews Bob Peck, Bill Peck, Mike Hoefer and life-long friend, Marshall Mickley. 

Survivors include his wife of 60 years - Vera; daughter Patricia (Tim) Porter and their sons: Ryan (Ceci) Porter with Elsie, and Shaun (Christa) Porter with Micah, all living in Southern California. Daughter Kathi (Forrest) Himebaugh and their children: Benjamin Himebaugh, Isaac Himebaugh, and Alyssa Himebaugh of Adams, MN. His sister Betty Stubbe and nephews: Dwayne Fudge, Dennis Fudge, Mark Hoefer, Pete Hoefer, of Santa Rosa, CA, and niece Patty Peck of SD as well as many other relatives and friends. 

Memorial Service will be held October 26 at 11:00 AM at Zion Lutheran Church 66632 300 St Dexter, MN 55926. Graveside service will be held October 23 at 11:00 AM at Lake George Cemetery on Night Hawk Road Lake George, MN 56458.