James Carroll LONNING

LONNING, FAULK, MORREN, SLODKOWSKI, FAERBER, BETHMANN, LANGE, CAPSTICK, LEONE

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 6/15/2014 at 13:30:56

February 20, 1933 --- May 26, 2014

James Carroll Lonning went home to be with his Heavenly Father, Monday morning May 26, 2014 at Mercy Hospital with his loving family by his side. He was born James Carroll Lonning to Alvin and Esther Lonning nee: Faulk on February 20, 1933 in Eagle Grove, Iowa. After attending high school in Eagle Grove, Jim continued his education and became a graduate of California College of Mortuary Science, Los Angeles, California and Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Jim was the president of Alternative Funeral & Cremation Services Inc. and vice president of the Lonning Mortuary Services Inc. As a licensed Funeral Director, embalmer and later owner. Jim has served the St. Louis and St. Charles area for over 45 years. In his field, Jim has served as the 6th and 7th district president and as a graduate and guest lecturer at the National Foundation of Funeral Service in Evanston, IL.

Jim was a member of St. John United Church of Christ, St. Charles, where he served as the organist, choir director and former council member since 1993. Prior to 1993 Jim was the organist of Immanuel Lutheran Church St. Charles, in the late 60's and 70's. Jim served the Church on the Christian Day School Board, as a member of the Senior Ushers, and was twice President of the Congregation. With honor, Jim served his country from 1953 - 1955, in the United States Army obtaining the rank of Sargent. He also served in the reserves after completing active duty. He was a member of the American Legion Post 312, St. Charles. Jim was a friend of Bill W. for almost 20 years.

On December 13, 1957 Jim married his loving wife Marian F. Lonning nee: Morren who survives him. Along with his wife of 56 years two children were born. Dear Father and father-in-law of Robert D. and Karen Lonning and Henry and Patricia Slodkowski. Dear grandpa of Justin and Jessica Faerber, Brian and Nicole Bethmann, Mark and Megan Leone and Leanna (Jim Lange) Capstick. Dear Great-grandfather of eight. Along with his parents, Jim was preceded in death by one sister A. Arlene Lonning and his grandson Joshua James Faerber. Jim loved people and most of all his family. He was a kind and gentle spirit and was called dad and grandpa by many. He was very proud of all his staff at the funeral home and is already missed. He loved his second home on Clearwater lake in Piedmont, MO, cooking, playing bridge and serving families in their time of need.

Visitation will be Friday May 30, 2014, 4pm to 8pm at St. John's United Church of Christ, 945 Wolfrum Road, St. Charles, MO 63304. A service will be held on Saturday, May 31, 2014 at 11 A.M at the church. Interment will follow in Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery in St. Charles, MO. To honor Jim's memory please make memorial donations to St. John U.C.C. mortgage fund, Community Living or the charity of your choice.

http://www.alternativefuneralcremation.com/obituaries/James-Lonning/#!/Obituary