James Rethwisch

James (Jim) Edward Rethwisch passed away on Friday, September 19, 2025, at the age of 92 following a long battle with Parkinson’s. He was born on April 5, 1933, to John and Frieda (Illg) Rethwisch in Frazee. He was baptized at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Evergreen and confirmed at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Frazee. He attended Country School District #71 through 8th grade before graduating from Frazee High in 1951. Jim worked for Northern Pacific Railroad until being drafted into the Army in 1954. After 7 months, he was released from the Army in order to take care of the family farm following a car accident in which his father and brother were seriously injured. Jim married Jeanne Rohde in June of 1963. They raised two daughters, Sandra and Wendy. Jim and Jeanne farmed until retiring in 1998. For several years, Jim drove courtesy cars for Webber Family Motors and Nereson Automotive. He served on the Silverleaf Township Board, several different church boards, the Vergas Milk Producers, and the Minnesota Valley Breeders Association. In later years, Jim spent much time on his hobby of woodworking.

Jim’s survivors include his wife of 62 years, Jeanne; daughters Sandra (Tim) Hatlestad and Wendy (Mike) Nickoloff; grandchildren Tyler (Anna Koehl) Hatlestad, Alyssa Hatlestad, Logan Nickoloff (fiancée Ashtyn Ator), Carter Nickoloff, and Kobe Nickoloff; brother Bill (Eva Jean) Rethwisch; sister-in-law Carol Rethwisch; many nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, brothers (Harold, Warren, and Donald), and nieces (Nancy and Michelle).

A service will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Frazee. Visitation will be one hour before the service.