James "Jimmy" "Spikey" Skindelien

James “Jimmy” “Spikey” B. Skindelien, age 61, of Sunburg, passed away unexpectedly Monday, June 30, at the St. Cloud Hospital. 

A memorial gathering to celebrate Jimmy’s life will be from 1-3 p.m. on Friday, July 11, at Peterson Brothers Funeral Home in Willmar. Those attending are asked to wear MN Twins or MN Vikings attire.  A private interment will be at a later date at the East Norway Lake Lutheran Cemetery. Arrangements are entrusted to Peterson Brothers Funeral Home. www.petersonbrothers.com 

Jimmy was born on June 18, 1964, in Benson, Minnesota, the son of Oscar Jr. and Iola (Netland) Skindelien. He grew up in the Sunburg community, was baptized and confirmed at East Norway Lake Lutheran Church and graduated from KMS High School in 1982. Jimmy worked for over 42 years at Jennie-O Foods in Willmar. He was a lifelong resident of Sunburg. Jimmy was an avid sports fan, especially of the MN Twins, MN Vikings and NASCAR. In his younger years, he played townball for the Sunburg Lakers and in a softball league in Brooten. He enjoyed playing golf with his friends at Valley Golf in Willmar. Jimmy collected all types of things. Matchbox and Hot Wheels toy cars, football cards, baseball cards, golf balls and bobbleheads were some of his prized collections. 

He is survived by his longtime friend, Brenda Thorson of Bloomington; seven siblings, Pat (and Ronald) Molenaar of Raymond, Susan (and Steve) Rierson of Willmar, Jerry (and Cathy) Skindelien of Sunburg, Jeffrey Skindelien of Sunburg, Jody (and Janel) Skindelien of Willmar, Sara Skindelien of Sunburg and Jayson (and Danielle) Skindelien of Sunburg; seven nieces and nephews; several great nieces and nephews, besides other relatives and many friends. 

He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant brother, Douglas in 1955.