James Anthony Widhalm

James A Widhalm, age 90, of Little Falls, MN formerly of St. Francis, MN passed away peacefully at St. Gabriels Hospital in Little Falls surrounded by his family on December 20, 2023.

James was born on July 7, 1933 to Anton and Matilda Widhalm in North Platte, Nebraska. 

He was preceded in death by his parents;his loving wife Eleanor; great-grandchildren Merlette Ronallo and Arnold Widhalm; siblings Urban Widhalm, Matilda Miller, Jerome Widhalm, Lorraine Birnbaum, Imelda Schmit, and Mary Jane Stueve; brother-in-law Myron Janke.

 Jim is survived by his sons; Michael, Thomas, David (Jane), Timothy and Scott; daughters Brenda Widhalm, Patty Widhalm and Barb (Joey) Ronallo.

12 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren; brother Anton “Junior” (Mary Lou) Widhalm; brother-in-law Gene Stueve and sister-in-law Rosie Janke and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

After being honorably discharged from the US Army, Jim and Eleanor moved from the farm to the Twin Cities.  Jim started working for Tempco Mfg. Later in his career, he became the co-owner of Palm Tool and Die company in Coon Rapids.  Finally, Jim started his own business of Widhalm Tool and Die in St. Francis, MN where he worked until he retired.

Throughout his working career, Jim was very involved with his Catholic community wherever he lived with his family.

Jim was born to farm and missed farming immensely.  He turned this instinct to farm into a passion of making his yard look like a golf course.  Jim had several lawn tractors with the John Deere being his favorite.

Jim had another hobby in flying single engine airplanes. Jim attained his Private Pilot License an went on to own several small planes that included Piper and Mooney aircraft.  Jim’s air travel included trips all over the US.  Also, numerous trips to Aberdeen, SD to run a second Palm Tool facility.  Even flew trips with Eleanor with one being very memorable to Reno.

Jim and Eleanor traveled most of the US by car, making countless fun trips to Las Vegas.  They also made a “trip of a lifetime” to Europe.

Jim also loved bowling, fishing (more eating fish then catching), golf, snowmobiling and having nights out with friends.

Most of all, Jim loved God, his family and friends.  His life here on earth will echo for countless years to come.

Mass of Christian burial 11 AM Wednesday December 27 at Christ our Light Catholic Church 804 7th Ave S. Princeton, MN.

Visitation 1 hour prior to Mass at the church.

Interment St. Pius X Catholic Cemetery, Zimmerman.

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