James Siedschlag

James Siedschlag, age 75, of Fosston, MN, passed away on Friday, February 13th, at Cornerstone Nursing and Rehab Center in Bagley, MN. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 19th, at New Journey Church in Fosston with Pastors Richard Siedschlag and Tyler Stynsberg officiating. Interment will be in Lengby City Cemetery, Lengby, MN. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service on Wednesday, February 18th, at the Carlin-Hoialmen Funeral Home in Fosston. There will also be reviewal for one hour prior to the service on Thursday at the church. Military honors will be conducted by the National Guard Honors Team and the Carlin-Hoialmen Funeral Home of Fosston is in charge of the arrangements.James Ray Siedschlag was born on July 3, 1939 in Fosston, Minnesota to parents August and Anna Schmitz Siedschlag. He grew up on the family farm south of Lengby, Minnesota and attended the Uran country school. He graduated from Mahnomen High School in 1959 where he excelled in wrestling. James was the first Mahnomen High School wrestler to go to the State High School Tournament.Shortly after graduation, he entered the United States Army, serving in the demilitarized zone during post-war Korea. After receiving his honorable discharge, he returned home. Upon his return, James studied welding at the technical school in Thief River Falls and also farmed in Mahnomen County.James was married to Karen Gullingsrud on July 11, 1964. He lived in the Mahnomen area the majority of his life. He worked various jobs in his field around the area but farming was always in his heart. After selling the farm, he continued to work at other farms in the area until he was forced to retire due to ill health.James loved to dance and enjoyed polka music. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family.Survivors include six children, Judith (James) Large of Bemidji, MN, James (Janese) Siedschlag of Slayton, MN, Julie (Richard) Hayes of Sabin, MN, Samuel Siedschlag of Fargo, ND, Koren (Phil) Jones of Cedar Rapids, IA, and Kevin Siedschlag (Caroline Mittman) of Cedar Rapids, IA; 15 grandchildren and two great grandchildren; and life-partner, Clarice Kolling of Fosston.Also surviving are five siblings, Richard (Erma) Siedschlag of Kragnes, MN, Lois Hodgdon of Shoreline, WA, Sharon Anderson of Fargo, ND, David (Marjorie) Siedschlag of Fosston, and Linda Atkins of Detroit Lakes, MN. Nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers-in-law, Rick Harvala, Sr., Tom Atkins, and Howard Anderson; nephews, Howard Anderson, Jr., and Daniel Siedschlag; and one niece, Richelle Monson.