James "Jim" Seifert

James "Jim" Seifert, 91, of Mankato, passed away peacefully on December 28, 2016, surrounded by his family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 3, 2017, at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Mankato. Lunch will take place immediately after at the church, followed by burial at New Ulm Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. on Monday at Northview-North Mankato Mortuary, with Rosary at 6:30 p.m. Visitation will also take place one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the School Sisters of Notre Dame or Loyola Catholic School.

Jim was born March 26, 1925, in New Ulm, to Norbert and Carrie (Haas) Seifert. After attending New Ulm’s Holy Trinity High School, he served as a U.S. Navy Seabee in the South Pacific during World War II.

On September 3, 1949, Jim was united in marriage to the love of his life, Billie Huelskamp. The following year, he graduated from St. John’s University in Collegeville, where he played baseball. He went on to work at North Star Concrete for 37 years. Jim was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the American Legion Seifert-Bianchi Post 132 in New Ulm.

Jim and Billie were very active and always willing to help wherever needed. They spent many days at their huge garden at the Huelskamp Family Century Farm, and they generously shared the fruits of their labor with family, friends, neighbors, and people in need. They served at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in many capacities. They were also longtime supporters of Loyola and helped start the tradition of MACS Nite. Over the years, they delivered thousands of Billie’s hand-knit items and clothing to South Dakota missions. Jim enjoyed hunting and other outdoor activities, polka music, and watching sports and westerns.

Jim is forever in the hearts of his four children, Tom (Sue) Seifert of Boise, ID; Ann (Tom) Murray of North Mankato; John (Mary) Seifert of Livingston, MT; and William (Jodi) Seifert of Blaine, in addition to 12 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; his brother, Norbert of Milwaukie, OR; and numerous extended family members.

He was preceded in death by many loved ones, including Billie, his wife of 60 years.

Among other things, Jim will be remembered for his twinkling blue eyes, quick wit, sense of humor, and positive attitude. Jim’s family is grateful to have been blessed with his presence in their lives and for countless wonderful times together.