James Engelstad, 76, died Sunday, January 26, 2003 at his home in Thief River Falls, MN.

Funeral service will be 2:00 PM, Thursday, January 30, 2003 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Thief River Falls, MN with Reverend John Wollenzien officiating. Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery, Thief River Falls, MN.

Visitation will be 4 " 8 PM, Wednesday, January 29, 2003 at Johnson Green Funeral Service, Thief River Falls, MN, with a 7 PM prayer service and for one hour prior to services at the church on Thursday.

James Jerome Engelstad was born February 5, 1926 at Thief River Falls, MN, the son of Paul and Olive May (Larness) Engelstad. He was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran Faith. He graduated from Lincoln High School in Thief River Falls and entered the United States Army on July 22, 1944 at Fort Snelling, MN. He served in the 101st Airborne Paratroopers during World War II and also served in the European Theatre. He was honorably discharged on June 28, 1946.

On September 17, 1949, Jim was united in marriage to Betty Craft at Plummer, MN. He farmed and also worked for Swenson Plumbing and Arctic Cat in Thief River Falls.

He served on the board of directors for Northwest Medical Center, Rocksbury Township Clerk for 40 years and was on the Pennington County Extension Committee. He enjoyed deer hunting, spending time at the cabin and most especially spending time with family and friends.

Survived by wife, Betty; children, Kim (special friend, Debbie Thorpe), Thief River Falls, MN, Kristi Rumely, Silverton, OR and John (Shanna), Thief River Falls, MN; grandchildren, Ben Engelstad, Leo (Marty) Rumely, Annie Engelstad, Erik Engelstad and Shay Engelstad; great grandchildren, Leo Rumely and Aziah Engelstad; sister, Blanche Carlson, St. Cloud, MN, brothers, Arnold, Thief River Falls, MN and Peter (Delane), Otis, OR.

Preceded in death by parents and brothers, Morris and Earl.