James Theiler

James J. Theiler, age 66 of Eagle Bend, MN and formerly of Melrose, MN died unexpectedly on Thursday, February 21, 2019.  Jim was working as a semi-truck driver and suffered from a cardiac arrest while he was stopped in Miles City, Montana.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 1st at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Meire Grove with Rev. Marvin Enneking officiating.  Interment with military honors will be held at Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls, Minnesota.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday and from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Friday at the Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Melrose.  Parish prayers will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday evening at the funeral home.

James Joseph Theiler was born November 28, 1952 in Melrose, Minnesota to Clarence Alfred and Bernice Marie (Bussmann) Theiler.  Jim grew up near Melrose and graduated from Melrose High School in 1971.  In 1972, Jim joined the US Army and proudly served his country until August 29, 1974.  After his military service, Jim held various jobs including farming and construction before finding his passion of being an owner/operator Over-the-Road Truck Driver.  In 1999, Jim moved to Eagle Bend, Minnesota and found a place to live that had a large enough building to garage his semi-truck.

He enjoyed hunting, collecting old John Deere tractors, fishing, playing cards, collecting coins, playing BINGO, gardening and establishing a beautiful rose garden at his home.   He enjoyed making friends and a frequent “Happy Hour Visitor!”  While in Eagle Bend, Jim became very involved in the VFW and American Legion.

Survivors include Kay Alexander of Eagle Bend and her children, Bambi of Sauk Centre, Dustin (Allison) of Forada; Jesse of Eagle Bend and Amber of Eagle Bend; grandchildren, Alexis and Austin; twin great grandsons, Keaton and Karson; sisters and brothers, Audrey Florek of Radcliff, KY, Alice (Danny) Hanson of Long Prairie, Kathy (Ken) Lemm of New Munich, Mary (Don "Duck") VanHeel of St. Joseph, Marlene (Mickey) Pflipsen of Melrose, Joe (Julie) Theiler of Melrose, Dave (Bonnie) Theiler of Melrose, Dale Theiler of Long Prairie, and Lori Buttweiler of Woodbury; sister-in-law, Donna Theiler of Melrose; many nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Bernice Theiler; brother, Eugene Theiler; and nephew, Ryan Pflipsen.

Serving as casket bearers will be Chris Theiler, Dustin Alexander, Brad Lemm, Jordan VanHeel, Bill Pflipsen, Jeron Theiler, Jesse Theiler, and Tyler Buttweiler. Cross bearer will be Angel Schad and Scripture bearer will be Donte Theiler. Lectors will Carrie Pyle, Jenny Tomford, and Lakeisha Buttweiler and gift bearers will be David Theiler, Dale Theiler, and Joe Theiler.