Jim Lambertz Sr., age 97, ended his journey as the result of an injury while working in the yard of his rural Dunvilla, MN home.

Jim was born June 5, 1925 to Hubert and Irmina (Puetz). He was raised on a dairy farm with his parents and siblings in rural Mantador, ND. Here he learned hard work and dedication, something he retained his whole life and instilled in family, friends, and coworkers, leading by example every day.

Jim played high school football and basketball. After graduation, he joined the US Army in 1945 where he served as a driver for the USO entertainers while on tour in Germany, Austria, and France. Later he was a military mail carrier, with a 1,500 mile European route.

After Jim’s return home, he worked at the Wahpeton Mill and Elevator. Jim met DeLores Werner and they married in 1949. In 1955, Jim was recruited to move to West Fargo where he helped establish Gold Label Feeds. He ran their successful feed production until retirement in 1989. Along with being 34-year West Fargo residents, Jim and DeLores raised 6 children, all West Fargo graduates.

Upon Jim’s retirement, he and DeLores moved to Dunvilla, MN where Jim started his second career turning an abandoned farmstead and 60+ acres into the home he loved, labored, tailored, and mowed for 33 years. During that time, Jim grew his passion for woodworking and for making a beautiful yard and house.

While in Dunvilla, Jim and DeLores befriended Karen Bunkowski, owner of the Cornfield Caf?. He made countless friends and was a beloved patron. He had a quick wit unlike anyone else you would meet and was loved by all. Karen grew to take on the informal role as surrogate sister and mom. She looked after Jim when the kids weren’t able to, sharing the pain and joy of many tough days and recoveries. She made sure he was okay if he didn’t make it in for breakfast every day, as well as keeping him busy with woodworking projects, for which we are all very grateful.

Jim is preceded in death by his brothers Marvin, West Covina, CA and Robert, NC, his sister Kathleen, Seattle, WA, his wife of 52 years, DeLores, and his son George, Plymouth, MN.

He is loved and remembered by his sister Donna Zook, CO, sons James Jr. (Linda), Brookings, SD, Jerry (Julie), West Fargo, ND, Pete (Sheri), West Fargo, ND, daughters Gloria, Big Sky, MT, and Liz Parries, Fargo, ND, and daughter-in-law Bonnie, Plymouth, MN, 10 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, 14 brothers and sisters-in-law (living and deceased), 44 nieces and nephews (living and deceased) and many grand- and great-grand nieces and nephews.

Funeral services and reception will be held Saturday Nov. 26, 10:30AM at St. Mary’s of the Lake, Detroit Lakes, MN.