James H. Netland

James H. Netland, 90, of Fergus Falls died Saturday, May 21, 2022, at Minnesota Veterans Home in Fergus Falls.  Funeral services will be 2:00 pm. Sunday, May 29, 2022, at East Norway Lake Lutheran Church near New London with visitation one hour prior to the service.  Burial will be in the church cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to the Minnesota Veterans Home or an Alzheimer's organization of donors choice.    Arrangements are with the Johnson Funeral Home in New London                     

James Henry Netland (Jim) was born in Colfax Township, Minnesota, to Henry and Alice (Erickson) Netland on June 30, 1931. Jim attended New London High School, graduating in 1950. During his high school years Jim lettered in basketball, football, track, baseball, and choir.

Following graduation, Jim was drafted into the United States Army and served as a survey specialist during the Korean War. While on leave, Jim was united in marriage to the love of his life, Florence Korsmo, at East Norway Lake Lutheran Church on November 19, 1952.  Following the wedding, Jim returned to the Army to continue his duties. Jim received an honorable discharge and was awarded the Purple Heart for his service.

Jim attended St. Cloud State Teachers College, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics. After graduation, Jim and Florence moved to Harmony where Jim began his career as a junior high math teacher. Jim and Florence relocated to Deephaven where they raised their four children while Jim continued his career as a math teacher, football coach, and wrestling coach at Minnetonka West Junior High. Jim earned a Master of Arts degree from the College of Saint Thomas during this period.

Jim attended Grace Lutheran Church in Deephaven and volunteered as an usher and building maintenance coordinator. Jim was a member and former officer of Sons of Norway Nidaros Lodge where he folk danced with Florence, helped prepare lutefisk dinners, and collected stamps for Tubfrim.

Jim especially enjoyed spending time with his family and friends at the Norway Lake cabin. He spent countless hours driving the orange boat around the lake so everyone could enjoy water skiing. Jim was a loving father and grandfather who will be forever remembered by his extended family and dear friends.

Jim  is survived by children, Cindy (Ali) Netland, Kathy (Dan) Rosendahl and Mark (Kathy) Netland; son-in-law, Steve Vining; grandchildren, Sukaynah, Kristian, Kurt, Bruce, Becky, Kaitlin, Colin, Alison, Jenna and James; eight great-grandchildren; sister Joan Ditmarson, and brother, Jack Netland.  He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Florence, daughter, Pati Vining; and sister, Becky Faber.

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