James Bernard Wempe 1947-2013

WEMPE, PLUTH, WAGNER, BURESCH, PRENTICE

Posted By: Mary Sicard (email)
Date: 11/28/2013 at 09:23:07

ESTHERVILLE - Mass of Christian Burial for James Wempe, 66, of Estherville will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2013, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Estherville with Monsignor Michael Sernett as Celebrant. Visitation will be 5-7 Monday at Henry-Olson Funeral Chapel in Estherville. Interment will at St. Patrick's Catholic Cemetery in Estherville with military graveside rites by VFW Post 3388 and American Legion Post 91.

He died Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2013, at his home in Estherville.

James Bernard Wempe, the son of Bernard and Hilda (Pluth) Wempe, was born July 16, 1947, in Estherville. He received his education in the Terril Schools, graduating from Terril High School in 1966. Jim served in the United States Army from 1967-1973 during the Vietnam Era, receiving two Bronze Stars. Following his honorable discharge from the Army, Jim went to work with his brother Dick working with livestock. He especially enjoyed working with the hogs. Later he went to work for Anderson-Schenck in Estherville and continued there after it was sold and renamed Estherville Paint and Glass. Jim retired in 2012. Jim loved being around others and socializing with his many friends at Mother Natures, solving world affairs. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family and their pets.

He was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Estherville where he also belonged to the Knights of Columbus.

Left to cherish Jim's memory are his children, Adam (Heather) Wagner of Spencer, Michael (Kristen) Wempe of Keystone Heights, Fla. and Jody (Daron) Buresch of Lakefield, Minn.; his grandchildren; sister, Evelyn Prentice of Estherville; brother, Richard Wempe of Terril and many nieces and nephews. He has been preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law, Dean Prentice. Online condolences may be sent to www.henryolsonfuneral.com . (Estherville Daily News, Estherville, IA, November 15, 2013