Portrait of James E. Olesen

Obituary for James E. Olesen

1952 – 2013
Age 60
Published:

For 60 years, James touched the lives of those around them.

"Those we love don't go away — they walk beside us every day."
— Author unknown
What James loved
FaithFarmingHorsesGardeningGrandchildren

After a life of love and quiet grace, James E. Olesen, 60, has passed.

Here is what we wish the world to know of James.

James entered this world in 1952 — the start of a journey that would span 61 years.

James held deeply to the Lutheran faith — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew him best.

Those who live by belief leave a different kind of mark.

James Edward Olesen, 60, died Monday, July 22, 2013 of an apparent heart attack at his home near Parker, SD. Funeral services will be at 10:30am Friday, July 26, 2013 at Spring Valley Lutheran Church, rural Viborg with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation with family present will be from 6-8:00pm Thursday evening at the Hofmeister Jones Funeral Home, Parker. James Edward Olesen was born on October 6, 1952 at Sioux Falls, SD to Berl and Edith (Deelstra) Olesen. He lived at Hurley and Chamberlain, SD before moving to a farm near Parker which was at one time a Deelstra farmstead. On May 15, 1970 he married Pam Kenobbie at Chamberlain and to this union was born two daughters, Misty and Tangee. He worked for many years as a livestock buyer with the stockyards and for the past several years worked in the housing industry. He was presently employed with Western Housing. His greatest enjoyment was being out at his farm raising sheep, horses, other livestock, gardening, picking treasures, and always lending a helping hand on projects. Holding in his heart a special place for small children sharing smiles and popsicles. Grateful for having shared his life are his 2 daughters, Misty (Rick) Kuhnert, Brandon, SD and Tangee (Brent) Kokenge, Sioux Falls; 2 grandchildren, Taylor and Brooke; 3 sisters and a brother, Linda (Wes) Priebe, Chamberlain, Rose (Allan) Wasserman, Sioux Falls, Leanne (Jim) DuVall, Chamberlain, and Kevin (Leslie) Olesen, Chamberlain; a special friend, Chamberlain; a special friend, Carrie Cummings and her 3 children, Jamie, Brent, Tracy and 4 grandchildren, Haleigh, Carter, Emma, and Kirsten; and a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant brother Modest, and a sister Barbara.

A Life in Years

1952Born1977Married2013Passed away

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