James E. Thunselle

James Edward Thunselle, 73, of Fergus Falls, died Wednesday, March 12, 2014, at Sanford Health in Fargo.

He was born on August 17, 1940 in Fergus Falls, MN to Edwin and Juliet (Lillemoen) Thunselle. He was baptized September 15, 1940 and confirmed June 6, 1954 at Rock Prairie Lutheran Church. He grew up on the family farm, attended school at District 139 and graduated from Fergus Falls High School in 1958. He attended Wahpeton State School of Science for auto repair.

On June 18, 1960, Jim married Donna Richter at Trinity Church in Fergus Falls. They began married life in Elbow Lake where he was employed at Elbow Lake Auto Implement and then Park Region Bakery in Fergus Falls. Later they moved to the farm they purchased in Aurdal township. After 37 years, they moved to Fergus Falls. Jim was employed at Proximity Controls and Lake Region Hospital until retirement. He was also a dairy farmer for several years.

Jim served in the Army Reserves in Fergus Falls and reached the rank of Staff Sargent (E-6). He was honorably discharged on July 31, 1969.

Jim enjoyed classic cars. He was a member of the Classic Car Club and the Uninviteds. He enjoyed driving his 1964 Corvair convertible in parades and shows. He loved going out to eat each Thursday with the Car Club Supper Group.

He also was a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association. He liked flying his ultralight and looked forward to attending the Oshkosh Air Show each year with close friends. He enjoyed camping, snowmobiling, building things and tinkering in the shop. He loved spending time with family and friends.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Juliet and Edwin, his wife, Donna, sister-in-law Sharon Rund, brother-in-law Gerald Richter, and niece, Sheila Grothe.

He is survived by his children Scott (Jenny) Thunselle of Fergus Falls; David (Rosa) Thunselle of Denver, CO; Kimberly (Jeff) Walvatne of Fergus Falls and Eric (Kimberly) Thunselle of Fergus Falls; ten grandchildren, Joshua, Zachary and Landon Thunselle; Dawson and Micah Thunselle; Ashley, Sarah and Kaci Walvatne; and Justin and Jared Gullickson; siblings Elaine (Kermith) Dybdal, Allen (Linda) Thunselle and Mary Lou Thunselle; brother-in-law Geoffrey Rund and sister-in-law Helen Richter; cousin Charlotte Meskis, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Visitation: 4-6 p.m. Sunday, March 16, 2014 with a 5:30 p.m. prayer service at Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls. Visitation will resume an hour prior.
Service: 11 a.m. Monday, March 17, 2014 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls.
Clergy: Reverend Curtis Deterding
Burial: Vang Cemetery, Fergus Falls.
Arrangements: Olson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls.