James Schemmel

James A. Schemmel, age 73, of Willmar, died Thursday evening, July 5, at Bethesda Grand Nursing Home in Willmar.

Memorial services will be 11 a.m. Thursday, July 12, at Bethel Lutheran Church in Willmar. Interment will be held at a later date. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, July 11, at Peterson Brothers Funeral Home in Willmar and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday.

James Andrew Schemmel was born February 5, 1945 in Willmar, Minnesota, the son of Woodrow and Helen (Ryan) Schemmel. He grew up on a farm near Danube, was baptized at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Bechyn, and was educated in Danube Schools. After high school, he worked as a truck driver hauling livestock and worked at Goodyear Tire shop in Hutchinson. Jim was a member of the Army National Guard and of Bethel Lutheran Church, and always enjoyed Pastoral visits.

Jim married Linda (Linn) on December 1,1972 at Cross of Calvary Lutheran Church in Olivia. They lived and farmed in Renville County and later north of Pennock until health issues forced him to retire. He was later employed at Willmar Manufacturing and Compassionate Care.

Jim enjoyed farming, collecting antique toys, fishing, a good card game and spending time with his family, neighbors and friends. He will be remembered for his generous personality and willingness to give of his time.

He is survived by his wife: Linda Schemmel of Willmar; three children: Michael (and Shannon) Schemmel of Olivia, Shannon Lippert (and Jeremy Vossen) of Willmar, and Scott Schemmel (and Barbara Inman) of Goose Creek, SC; ten grandchildren; and eleven great-grandchildren. Also surviving are two brothers: Patrick (and Glennys) Schemmel of Pennock and Woody (and Mary Ann) Schemmel of New London; four sisters: Joann (and Buddy) Dolezal of Olivia, Delores (and Anton) Horejsi of Redwood Falls, Connie (and Charlie) Bloedow of Redwood Falls, and Peggy Gort of Litchfield; many nieces and nephews; and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers: Terrance and Roger.

A special thank you to the Caregivers of the Memory Care Neighborhood at Bethesda Grand for the kind and loving care of Jim.