James Marthaler

James A. "Jim" Marthaler, age 84 of Sauk Centre, died unexpectedly surrounded by his family Monday, August 18, 2014 at the St. Cloud Hospital in St. Cloud, Minnesota.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, August 22 at St. Alexius Catholic Church in West Union. Rev. Andrew Marthaler will officiate with interment following in the parish cemetery.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday and 8:30 to 10:15 a.m. Friday at the Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Sauk Centre. Parish prayers will be at 4 p.m. Thursday evening at the funeral home in Sauk Centre.

James Alex Marthaler was born January 16, 1930 in West Union, Minnesota to Frank and Elvira (Uphus) Marthaler. He married Shirley Minette on May 25, 1954 at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Sauk Centre. The couple farmed on the family farm near West Union for most of their married life and moved to Sauk Centre in 2009. Jim continued to be involved on the farm until he retired in 2012.

Jim was known for his great penmanship and keeping many notes and one liners. He loved spending time with his family, playing cards, bowling, driving tractor, listening to Old Time music, and was an avid sports fan.

He was a member of St. Alexius Catholic Church in West Union and Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 3063 of Alexandria.

Survivors include his wife, Shirley Marthaler of Sauk Centre; ten children, Daniel (Sue Sunderman) Marthaler of Sauk Centre, Marilyn (John) Nathe of Sauk Centre, Nancy (Mike) Thompson of Alexandria, Gary (Donna Imdieke) Marthaler of Sauk Centre, Ronald Marthaler of Dalton, Carol (Roger) Engle of West Union, David (Mary Jo) Marthaler of Sauk Centre, Diane (Dan) Mensen of Grey Eagle, Joyce (Tom) Torvik of Rice, and Gerald (Kris) Marthaler of Sauk Centre; 24 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; and sister, Rosalie Ecker of Oakdale.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Patty Marthaler; brother, Vernon "Bud" Marthaler; great-grandson, Isaac Lieser; and infant sister.

Serving as casket bearers will be his sons, Daniel, Gary, Ronald, David, and Gerald Marthaler.