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James A. Hoese Obituary – 05/08/2013


James Arthur (Jim) Hoese, age 86, of Mayer, died Wednesday, May 8, 2013, at the Elim Home in Watertown.

He was born March 3, 1927, in Watertown Township, Carver County, the son of Otto and Emelia (Schafer) Hoese. James was baptized April 17, 1927, at Zion Lutheran Church in Mayer by the Rev. F.W. Erthal; and was confirmed in the Lutheran faith April 6, 1941 at the same church by the Rev. Elmer Schwandt.

James was united in marriage with Arleen Schilling Oct. 27, 1948, at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Watertown Township by the Rev. John Spomer.

James and Arleen were married for 64 years, and farmed in Watertown Township, near Mayer.

In addition to dairy farming, James did custom silo filling throughout Carver County, and worked at Bongards Creamery. After retiring from full-time farming, he continued to help out with farm fieldwork until his health deteriorated. Even then, he enjoyed taking his Allis Chalmers D-17 tractor out for a drive on nice days.

For 40 years, James held public offices. He was first elected to the Mayer Public School Board in 1957, and served until consolidation with Watertown in 1971. He then served 10 additional years on the Watertown-Mayer School Board, completing his term in 1981.

He was elected to the Watertown Township Board of Supervisors in 1965, and served for 21 years, through 1986. Then, Governor Rudy Perpich appointed him to the Minnesota State Board of Education, where he served for three-and-a-half years, including a term as its president.

James served as a Carver County Commissioner from 1987 to 1996. During his tenure as a commissioner, he served on the Extension Committee and the Carver County Fair Board. He was an original member of Carver County’s Board of Adjustment and Planning, serving on that board for 20 years; and was a county representative to the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources from 1987 to 1991.

Jim was particularly proud of the role he played in building Carver County’s Justice Center, and the work he did to build trust among board members and with those who elected him to serve.

An active, lifelong member of Zion Lutheran Church in Mayer, Jim served as congregation trustee and president. His faith in his Savior was a core part of his daily life, and sustained him through the past months of his illness. He passed that legacy on to his children and grandchildren.

When not at a meeting or in the fields, James could be found playing cards with friends and family, or fishing with his grandchildren or buddies. His laughter, vitality, and ability to enjoy life to the fullest will be sorely missed.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Otto and Emelia Hoese; brothers Orvin Hoese, Clifford Hoese, and twin brother Rueben Hoese; sisters and brothers-in-law Dorothy and Gilbert Kutzke and Gladys and Roland Mielke; parents-in-law William and Hulda Schilling; and sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Lenora and George Feltmann, Ruben and Lee Schilling, and Lucille Schilling.

James is survived by his loving wife, Arleen; eight children and spouses, Daniel of Mayer, Douglas and Susan of Watertown, Joyce and Steven Feltmann of Young America, Jack and Diane, Susan, and Scott and Yvonne, all of Mayer, Barbara of Victoria, and Rebecca (Becky) and James Vanderlinde of Watertown; 11 grandchildren and their spouses, and 14 great-grandchildren: Thomas and Nicole Hoese and children Isabelle, Eleni, Violet and James; Bradley and Niki Jane Hoese; Brian and Sara Hoese and their children Amber, Nolan and Caleb; Nicole and Ryan Scharenberg; Kristin and Jacob Gross and children Ella and Isaac; Rachel and Michael Boyack and daughter Cora, William and Jenna Feltmann and daughters Bella and Brynlee; Eric and Erica Hoese and children Cade and Ryann; Patrick and Marie Hoese; and Aaron Vanderlinde and Luke Vanderlinde.

He is further survived by close family friend, Allen Eggers; sister and brother-in-law Mae and Stan Topel of Sterling Heights, MI; sister-in-law Lenora Hoese of Watertown; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

The funeral service took place Saturday, May 11 at 11 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in Mayer with the Rev. Adam Gless officiating. Interment was at Zion Lutheran Cemetery in Mayer.

Visitation was Friday, May 10 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Johnson Funeral Home in Waconia with a prayer service at 7:30 p.m.; and continued Saturday, one hour prior to the service at the church.

James’ grandsons served as his casket bearers; his granddaughters were honorary casket bearers.

Arrangements were with the Johnson Funeral Home in Waconia; www.johnsonfh.com.

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