James Burgstahler, 95

James “Jim” Howard Burgstahler, 95, Hutchinson, passed away Saturday, December 29, 2012, at Cornerstone Hospice House in Tavares, Florida.

James was born June 6, 1917 in Grafton Township, Sibley County, the son of Howard and Bertha (Boehlke) Burgstahler. Jim was baptized as an infant and later confirmed in his faith as a youth. He received his education in his home area in Sibley County. Jim furthered his education at the VA Agricultural School for four years.

He entered active military service in the United States Army Infantry on March 17, 1941 and served his country during World War II. He was awarded the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, the American Defense ribbon, the Philippine Liberation ribbon, the Pre-Pearl Harbor and the Asiatic –Pacific ribbon. Jim received an honorable discharge on December 7, 1946 at Camp McCoy.

On March 23, 1946, Jim was united in marriage to Irene Marie (Thompson) Burgstahler. This marriage was blessed with three daughters, Lynn, Diane and Beverly. Jim and Irene resided and farmed south of Cosmos until 1978, when they moved to Hutchinson. They shared 59 years of marriage until Irene passed away on October 26, 2005.

On June 3, 2006, Jim was united in marriage to Ellen L. Knee. Jim and Ellen resided in Hutchinson and spent the winter months in Leesburg, Florida. They shared six years of marriage.

Jim was a lifetime farmer and retired in 1978. He was a member of Peace Lutheran Church in Cosmos. He was a member of Hutchinson DAV and the Hutchinson Hassan Valley Odd Fellows Lodge. #109.

Jim enjoyed golfing, fishing, playing card games, flower gardening, and he loved to polka dance. Jim especially enjoyed spending time with his family, grandchildren and friends.

Blessed be his memory.

Jim is survived by his wife, Ellen Burgstahler of Hutchinson; daughter, Lynn (David) Raddatz of Somerset, WI, stepdaughter, Anne (Justin), great-grandchild, Ryan; daughter, Diane (David) Olson of Alexandria, grandchildren, Ronnie Olson, Robin Payre, Randy Olson; great-grandchildren, Jazmine Olson, Devyn Olson, Dylan Payre, Gabriel Payre; daughter, Beverly (Jack) Wold of Safety Harbor, FL; grand-dog, “Kwai Chang;” stepson, Robin (Holly) Hartzell, step-grandchildren, Stephanny Smith, Aaron Hartzell and Sean Hartzell, great-great-grandchildren, Grace Smith, Christian Hartzell, Wesley Hartzell; sisters, Lois Bryan of Buffalo Lake, Jean Pittman of Stewart; brothers, Ned (Arlene) Burgstahler of Stewart, John (Sharon) Burgstahler of Stewart; nieces, nephews, and many other relatives and friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Bertha Burgstahler; first wife, Irene Burgstahler; brothers-in-law, Delmar Pittman, George Bryan; and sister-in law, Zelda Burgstahler.

Funeral services will be held Monday, January 7 at 10 a.m. at Peace Lutheran Church in Cosmos with Pastor Marlaine Doidge officiating. Organist is Charles Lietzau and soloist is Pastor Marlaine Doedge.

Honorary bearer is Robert Payre. Casket bearers are Ronnie Olson, Randy Olson, Reed Burgstahler, Grant Burgstahler, Neil Burgstahler and Steve Burgstahler.

Military honors are by Cosmos American Legion Post #126 Honor Guard.

Interment will be at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis at 2:15 p.m.

Visitation is Sunday, January 6 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Chapel in Hutchinson.

The family invites everyone to the luncheon at the church immediately following the service.

Arrangements are with Dobratz-Hantge Chapel in Hutchinson. Online obituaries and guest book are available at www.hantge.com. Please click on Obituaries/Guest Book.

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