James "Jim" Franklin Guentzel

James "Jim" F. Guentzel, 91, of Mankato died on November 15, 2024, at Mayo Clinic Health System - Mankato with his son at his side.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m., on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Mankato with Rev. Father Kunz officiating. Visitation will be held one hour before the service at the church as well. Burial will be in Woodland Hills Memorial Park, Mankato. Mankato Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Livestream of the service will be available at www.mankatomortuary.com.

James Guentzel, the son of Franklin and Marie (Hiniker) Guentzel, was born on November 17, 1932, in Mankato. James married Inez Bender on September 14, 1957, in Mankato and she preceded his death on December 27, 2011. Jim was employed at Mankato Citizen Telephone Company where he worked from 1955-1996 before retiring and enjoying life.

Jim enjoyed camping and fishing with his family and friends prior to his retirement along with working in his yard and garden repeatedly each week. He was an avid football fan and could often be found following his Vikings and Minnesota State Maverick's Football program on weekends where weather was no obstacle from preventing him from attending his Maverick football game with his son. He also enjoyed socializing with dear friends in downtown Mankato restaurants/bars on weekends that always met him with open arms and hospitality. Jim always brought laughs and smiles to their customers and staff. He also enjoyed spending his time in Naples, FL with family and friends during the winter months.

Jim is survived by his only child, Greg of Brooklyn Park; sister, Eileen "Sue" Brozik of Mankato; sisters-in-law, Mary Lou Guentzel, and Dorothy Guentzel, as well as many nieces, nephews, and close friends. 

Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Inez Guentzel; parents, Marie (Hiniker) and Frank Guentzel; brothers, Forrest "Sonny,” Robert, Henry "Heinie" and Geoge Guentzel; sisters, Shirley (Peter) Braam, Carol Boyer, Fran (Dick) Renne, and brother-in-law, Jim Brozik.

A special thank you to all of the Mayo doctors and nurses for their ongoing care, and support of my father’s health and quality of life to the end.

Memorials preferred to Mayo Health System Foundation-https://www.mayoclinic.org/giving-to-mayo-clinic/ways-to-give.