James Joseph Wendinger

James J. Wendinger, age 85 of Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, died on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at his home in the loving care of his family. Visitation will be held on Friday, September 13, 2024, from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye Chapel with Rosary at 3:30 pm and Parish Prayers at 3:45 pm. Visitation will continue on Saturday at 9:30 am until 10:30 am at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye. Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at 10:30 am and will be livestreamed at https://www.facebook.com/stmarysleepyeye. The clergy will be Fr. Craig Timmerman. Interment will be at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Sleepy Eye. Arrangements are with Sturm Funeral Home in Sleepy Eye. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.

James Joseph Wendinger, the son of Henry and Rose (Rubischko) Wendinger, was born on February 12, 1939, in New Ulm, Minnesota. He was raised with his two brothers on a farm in Fairfax and attended school at Fairfax Public School through the 8th grade. As a teenager, Jim began his life’s work of farming and never looked back. He met the love of his life, Phyllis Braulick, at a dance and they were united in marriage on June 10, 1958, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye. Blessed with ten children, they raised their family on their farm in Fairfax, teaching them the value of working hard, taking care of what you have and, most importantly, one another. Their children learned early on the risk of saying they were bored meant Jim found a farm chore to do.

Jim was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye. His hobbies included being outdoors, checking the fields, and mowing his lawn. He loved Polka with his favorite dance partner, Phyllis. She also happened to be his favorite travel partner, and they cherished their time in Texas and Oregon. Although he and Phyllis moved to Sleepy Eye 15 years ago, Jim never really retired from farming. Driving the combine and being the official farm gopher for his sons kept him busy. He took great pride in his work, the upkeep of the farm, machinery, and equipment. Everything had its place and Jim taught others to “make sure you do it right because I’m watching.”

A solid family man with a big heart, Jim always arrived early and was the first to lend a hand. He was straightforward and a great listener. He loved family gatherings and readily offered suggestions for the menu. Fried potatoes, sauerkraut, and ribs were his personal specialties. His wisdom, whistling, and can-do attitude, along with his very presence, will be incredibly missed.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Phyllis Wendinger of Sleepy Eye; children, Jerry (Lori) Wendinger of New Ulm, Tammie Thibedeau of Brownsville, OR, Lee (Susan Cation) Wendinger of Becker, Julie (Eugene) Krzmarzick of Sleepy Eye, Robin (Danny) Havemeier of Sleepy Eye, Jody (Greg) Anderson of Springfield, Gordy (Amy) Wendinger of Slayton, Lance (Tonya) Wendinger of Sleepy Eye, Anita (Brian) Weir of Fairfax, and Sara (Paula Marty) Wendinger of New Ulm; 18 grandchildren; 13 step-grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren with more to come; six step-great-grandchildren with more to come; many nieces and nephews; and other loving relatives and friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Jamie Krzmarzick; step-great-grandson, Jackson Wotschke; son-in-law, Bob Thibedeau; two brothers; and several in-laws.