James John Stadther

James “Jim” John Stadther, 92, of Willmar, died Saturday, October 25th at his home surrounded by his family. His funeral service will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, November 1st at Living Hope in Willmar. Visitation will be from 5-7:00 pm Friday at Harvey Anderson Funeral Home in Willmar and continue one hour prior to his service. Burial will be at Clover Leaf Cemetery in Willmar, www.hafh.org.

Jim's service will be live-streamed at https://livinghopechurch-mn.subspla.sh/xf9d6mb 

Jim was born on March 27, 1933, to James L. and Mary (Cuta) Stadther on the family farm. He attended country school and graduated from Olivia High School in 1950.

After finishing school, Jim continued working on the family farm where his lifelong love of the land began. In 1954, he was drafted into the U.S. Army, and proudly served his country until 1956, spending much of his time stationed in England. One of his most cherished memories was returning home by ship and seeing the Statue of Liberty as it came into view.

On October 22, 1960, Jim married the love of his life, Ginger Mattson, at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Olivia. Together they built a beautiful life on the family farm, raising their children and teaching them the values of hard work, faith, and love. Jim especially enjoyed raising livestock and became well known for his prized hogs.

After retiring from farming in 1993, Jim continued to stay active, working at Accupress in Willmar. He and Ginger were dedicated members of Living Hope in Willmar, where they taught Sunday School, and Jim served faithfully as an usher and later volunteering with James House Ministries.

Jim was a man of many passions - fishing, hunting, reading, farming and playing bridge among them - but his greatest joy was his family. He was a devoted husband, a proud father, a doting grandpa known for his warm hugs, and above all, a faithful follower of Jesus.

Jim is survived by his wife, Ginger; children: Shelly (Jeff) Holt of Mapleton, Rick (Linda) Stadther of Bird Island, Jeff (Jen) of Lake Lillian, Suzanne (Mark) Wallskog of Prior Lake, Julie (James) Johnson of Spicer, Jason (Sara) Stadther of Cottage Grove and Sarah (Aaron) Minnick of Willmar, 26 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren and one on the way.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Bud; sisters and brother in-laws: Lucille (Peter) Fank, Lorraine (Allan) Thompson, Ev (Randy) Johnson, and Jeanie (John) Borkenhagen and his beloved dog, Buttons.

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