Jim Fallenstein

Jim Fallenstein, age 80, of North Mankato, died on Friday, September 9, 2022.

Funeral Mass will be held 11:00 a.m., Saturday, September 17, 2022 at St John the Baptist Church in Mankato.  Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m., Friday, September 16, 2022 at St John the Baptist Church and again from 10-11am on Saturday.  Burial will be at Woodland Hills Memorial Park.  Live streaming will be available at www.mankatomortuary.com.

Following the burial the family would love to see everyone at the Farm for a celebration of life with Jim’s favorite foods and drink.

Jim loved the outdoors. He was an avid deer hunter, fisherman and general outdoorsman.  The forest was where he found joy.  He always had a story ready, whether that be about the big buck he saw, or the endless monkey business he got into with his friends.  He was known for his humor and quick-witted responses.

Family came first to Jim, when his first grandchild was born with asthma, he quit smoking cold turkey to be able to spend time with him.  His eyes would light up when any of his grandchildren would visit.  When his kids were growing up, Jim would drive their greyhound bus camper all over the country to visit different parks and create memories.  He loved family vacations, strong in his Catholic faith, he made sure they would always make it to church, even on vacation.

Always finding the positive in every situation, Jim cultivated friendships and was a serial entrepreneur owning Fallenstein Refuse and Recycling, a logging business, the Bobber Shop, and an antique store.  He had many different and unique ideas including an automatic decoy winder, grippers for your car tires, a minnow vending machine and many more.  He was always trying to solve a problem and make things better.  He was willing to take a risk, and put in the hard work to get something started. “Nothing ventured, nothing gained.”

He was the best storyteller, and a master at cribbage and card games.  A frugal and simple man, who would cut the toothpaste open to get the last few drops and have the same breakfast at the same location every morning yet would live life to the fullest by hosting parties with friends, going on hunting and fishing trips or seeking excitement like bringing home an orphaned raccoon as a household pet.

Jim is survived by his wife, Jenice of 53 years and their four children, Julie, Lisa Holthaus (Glen), Heather Madison (Mike) and Tom (Chrissy).  His son Brian Sharpe, and their 12 grandchildren.

If our Dad were still here, based on the per word pricing of a printed obituary, he would ask us to write the following…

Fally Died.  Party @ Farm Saturday after service.