James "Jim" Leo Huerkamp

James (Jim) L. Huerkamp was born on May 19, 1931 in Avoka, MN to Nick and Delores Huerkamp and was the third of five children.  Jim liked to tell how he grew up during the depression years and attended 13 schools in 12 years but dropped out just months before graduating.

Jim met the love of his life, Zeta Oldenburg while going to the Concordia Dance Hall.  They were married on October 14,1950 in LaCrescent, MN, making their home originally in LaCrescent before moving to Dresbach in the mid 1960's. Together they had four children Laurie, James, Mary, and Timothy.  Jim worked for Trane Company from August 1952 to September of 1991.  While on strike from Trane, Jim started working for a local plumber.  He quickly learned the trade and continued working part time once he returned to work.  After retiring from Trane, he worked his plumbing and heating business full time until retiring at the age of 80 in 2012.  Jim was known around the community for his love of sports and sitting around local watering holes and playing euchre.  Jim had an infectious laugh and smile.  Jim enjoyed family and family gatherings.  He played pumpkin ball for the Terrace Bar in his younger years and golf with his buddies once he got older.  He loved playing cards until his eyesight deteriorated. His biggest joy was attending his children, grandchildren, and eventually great grandchildren's various sporting and school events.

Jim passed away at his home on April 25, 2023.  He is survived by his three children Laurie Hostettler, James Huerkamp, Mary (Bob) Erdmann and daughter in law Joy Boldt; his grandchildren Eric (Jamie) Hostettler, Brett (Michelle) Hostettler, Nick (Jodi) Erdmann, Robert (Heidi) Erdmann, Amy (Delane) Frauenkron; great grandchildren Brynn, Jaydan, Dastin, & Keeran Hostettler, Collin, Ashley, Axel, Tavin, & Noah Erdmann, Harper Arnolde, Caidence, Claire, & Isaac Frauenkron; and brother John Huerkamp.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife Zeta, son Timothy (Dozer), grandson Shaun VanderWey, and his two brothers and sister.  Jim will be missed by many family, friends and neighbors.  Jim would say in his later years, "If I would have known I'd live this long, I'd take better care of myself."

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, May 2, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Crucifixion Catholic Church, La Crescent. Rev. John L. Evans II will officiate. Burial will be in the Crucifixion Catholic Cemetery. Friends may call at the Schumacher-Kish Funeral & Cremation Services of La Crescent on Monday from 4:00 – 7:00 PM and at the church on Tuesday from 10:00 AM until the time of services. Memorials are preferred to Gundersen Health System Hospice.