James Stavaas

James (Jim) Stavaas, 54, a resident of rural Battle Lake, passed away at his home on Monday, October 1, 2007 under the loving care of Lakeland Hospice. Jim was born on April 26, 1953 in Breckenridge, Minnesota to Warren and Anita Stavaas. He graduated from Breckenridge High School in 1971 where he excelled in sports, especially football and baseball. He attended college at Wahpeton Science School and the University of Minnesota. He made his living as a carpenter living mostly on Blanche Lake. In 1987 his first son, Ben, was born. In 1992, he moved to Idaho and worked in Idaho and Washington State building custom Cedar Homes. There he met and married Dawn Sullivant. Together they had two children. In 1998 they returned to live in Battle Lake. Jim was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was an active member of the National Turkey Federation and was involved in the Jakes program. He enjoyed playing on the lake with family and friends. He is survived by his three children: Ben, Emma and Nathan Stavaas, all of Battle Lake; one grandson, Mason of Battle Lake; two brothers: Paul of St. Paul, MN and Tom of Palmer Lake, Colorado; and one sister, Laurie Henkes of Battle Lake. He was preceded in death by his parents. There will be a Memorial Service at 1 p.m. Friday, October 5, 2007, at the Olson Funeral Home Chapel in Fergus Falls. Arrangements were provided by Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls. Condolences may be sent online at www.olsonfuneralhome.com