James Vierling

James William "Jim" Vierling, age 74 of Cannon Falls, passed away on Monday, April 18, 2011. Jim was born on January 24, 1937 in Redwood Falls, the son of William and Christine (Malacha) Vierling. He graduated in 1955 from Redwood Falls High School where his passion for basketball helped him set scoring records that lasted for many years. Jim went on to serve with the U.S. Navy for six years as an aircraft mechanic. Jim married JoAnn Golkowski on November 18, 1967 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Hopkins. Jim then worked as a truck driver for Fairway Foods for 35 years until his retirement in 1999. Jim raised his family in Cannon Falls where they attended St. Pius V Catholic Church. Jim enjoyed life! Jim's children grew up camping, boating, waterskiing, biking, and playing basketball with their dad in the driveway. It was important to Jim to spend time with his extended family and long-time friends. He was the organizer of many family get-togethers – holidays, BBQ's volleyball games, tennis matches, and fall drives. He looked forward to yearly vacations with his siblings and friends. He also had his private pilot's license and enjoyed flying his 'Champ' out of Stanton Airport. Jim loved the game of golf. Some of his happiest moments were spent with his crew of golf buddies on local golf courses! He will be remembered most for his love of his grandchildren. He was the kind of 'papa' that was down on the floor pushing them in a box, driving Tonka trucks, setting up the model train, and feeding them their first scoop of ice cream. He spent countless hours playing with them in his yard with his special 'Papa' one-of-a-kind toys! Jim was a permanent fixture cheering on the sidelines of each and every baseball, basketball, football, track, or soccer game that his grandchildren participated in. He is survived by his wife, JoAnn; children, David (Danielle) Vierling of Colchester, VT, Lisa (Chris) McKee of Virginia Beach, VA, and Amy (Jason) Koep of Northfield; five grandchildren, Ethan (16), Hunter(12) and Austin(5) Koep, Marin(6) McKee, and Brooke(2) Vierling; eight sisters and brothers, Judy Vierling of Edina, twin sister Jane (Darrell) Dallman of St. Louis Park, Liz (Bob) Azarski of Hot Springs, SD, Betty (John) Klieforth of Golden, CO, Barb (Ted) Hoepner of Orlando, FL, Dean (Sue) Vierling of Lakewood, CO, Nancy (Ron) Reed of Minneapolis, and Diane (Bob) Hennes of St. Anthony; mother-in-law, Lenora Golkowski of Detroit Lakes and the extended Golkowski family; and many nieces, nephews, friends and golfing buddies.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, April 25 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Pius V Catholic Church in Cannon Falls, with Father Jay K. Kythe officiating. Interment will be held at a later date at Fort Snelling National Cemetery with military honors. Memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers.

Funeral Home: Lundberg Funeral Home 5839 Hwy 19 Blvd Cannon Falls, MN US 55009

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Service
Monday, April 25, 2011

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