Jim Rognlie

James David Rognlie, 85, of Shakopee, and formerly of Saint Paul and Saint James, Minnesota, died, surrounded by family, June 1, 2026, at Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato.

A celebration of life service will be held on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at 1:00 PM, at First Lutheran Church in Saint James, Minnesota, with visitation from 12:00 PM until the time of the service at the church. A private family burial will take place at a later date. Arrangements are with the Sturm Funeral Home in Saint James. Online Condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.

Jim was born on April 2, 1941, to Monrad and Mildred (Halvorson) Rognlie in Saint James, Minnesota. He graduated from Saint James High School in 1960. He married Marsha Olson at First Lutheran Church in Saint James. Together, they raised four children.

Jim studied horticulture at Michigan State University. He came back to Saint James after his studies and founded Rognlie Nursery. Jim then moved to Saint Paul where he worked at Macalester College for 18 years in the physical plant department, ultimately becoming director of that department. He then served as Deputy Director of the Minnesota Zoo for 5 years. In 1987, he founded the business Building Maintenance Management and worked there until his retirement.

Jim traveled the world extensively including most of the United States, several trips to Mexico, Canada, South America and China. He enjoyed cross country motorcycle trips both alone and with family members. Spending time with his family and friends was important to Jim, especially the time spent at the family cabin on Mille Lacs Lake.

Jim will be remembered by his wife, Marsha; children, Tammy (Jay) Anderson, Laurel (Rick) Myers, and Ryan Rognlie; son-in-law, Pete Overas; grandchildren, Ashley (Patrick), Dane (Kristen), Alex (Becca), Nick, Joshua, Amanda (Jake), Mason (Sunni), Madeline (Zack), Emma, and Olivia; great grandchildren, Violet, Camille, Lewis, Edin, Franklin, George, Beau, and one more on the way; brother, Ron; and many longtime friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and daughter, Bonnie Overas.