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James Peter Linnertz • 1925 - 2004
James Peter Linnertz died on Jan 17, 2004 after a short battle
with lung cancer. He was born October 22, 1925 in Minot, the
son of Peter and Laura (Colton) Linnertz. His grandfather, Joseph
Colton, was a pioneer to the area and helped found the Cities
of Lisbon, ND and Burlington, ND. Jim was very proud of his heritage
and told many stories of his grandfather's deeds and doings.
Jim attended St Leo's High School, and graduated in 1943. He
was unable to serve in the military during WWII because of his
very poor hearing.
After high school, Jim worked with his father in the family ice
business in Minot. He harvested and delivered ice in Minot to
businesses and residences.
On April 21, 1947 he married Louise Catherine Schumacher of Kenmare,
ND. Jim & Louise had four sons, James, Richard, Thomas, and
Daniel.
In 1952 he started working for Oscar's Propane. He installed
many of the first gas furnaces to area farmers, ranchers, businesses
and homes. He helped to write the State's original gas codes.
In 1959 he began as an agent for New York Life Insurance Company.
He became a "CLU" in 1975. He continued with that until
his retirement in 1991. During his career with NYLIC, he received
many awards for quality underwriting. He was most proud of the
1977 award when he was the tenth in the nation for quality award.
He had 31 years of quality sales when he retired. Jim was the
president of the Minot Life Underwriters from 1973-1974.
Jim was very active in the community. He was a charter member
of Little Flower Catholic Church and he served as a charter board
member. He also served as finance director for seven years. He
served as captain on the building fund committees for Little
Flower Church, and Bishop Ryan High School. He was a life member
of the Minot Knights of Columbus Council 1150. He was a charter
member of Cub Scout Pack 425 at Little Flower School, and Cub
Master for 3 years. He was also a member of the Holy Name Society,
and the PTA for Little Flower, Bishop Ryan and Ramstad Jr. High
Schools.
He enjoyed camping and fishing, especially along the shores of
Lake Sakakawea. Jim & Louise bought their first camper before
there were any campgrounds and the family spent many nights,
camped alongside the highway or out on the prairie. He also enjoyed
playing violin and later, plinking on a piano or organ any chance
he got.
He was preceeded in death by his mother (1934), father (1971)
and brother Raymond (2000).
He is survived by his wife Louise, Minot; sons James (Shirley),
Richard (Cher), both of West Fargo, ND, Thomas (Donna), Harwood,
ND, and Daniel (Pam), Minot; three grandsons, Michael (Jessica)
and Jeffrey, West Fargo, and Colton, Minot; seven granddaughters,
Janece (Trevor) Birch, Albert Lea, MN, Carman (John) Fors, Savage,
MN, Tamara (Casey) Fromm, Phoenix, AZ, Denita, Chicago, IL, Connie
and Kelsey, Harwood, and Ashley, Minot; one great-grandson Mason
Fors; three great-granddaughters, Solia and Anna Birch, and Emily
Linnertz; sister, Harriet (Mel) Hagen, Lewistown, MT; and sister-in-law,
Joan Linnertz, Syracuse, NY; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins
also survive.
Funeral: Wednesday, January 21, 2004, at 11:00 a.m.,
at Little Flower Catholic Church, Minot, ND.
Visitation and Vigil Prayer Service: Visitation will
be Tuesday (today) January 20, 2004, from noon to 5:00 p.m.,
at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot, with a vigil prayer service
Tuesday at 7:00 p.m., at Little Flower Catholic Church, Minot.
Burial: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot, ND.
May he stand inside the gates of heaven, and marvel at all
of the beautiful sounds he never heard on earth.
Celebrant of the Liturgies: Monsignor Joseph Senger
Readers: Carman Fors and Denita Linnertz
Music: James' granddaughter, Kelsey Linnertz, violin
solo
"Ashoken Farewell"
Little Flower Music Ministers
Jeanne Artz and John Leonard
Active Bearers: David Hagen, Robert Finken, Paul Linnertz,
Nick Schumacher, Donald Schumacher, George Smetana
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