James Zimpel, 67, died on Thursday, February 12, 2009 of natural causes, at his home in rural Red Lake Falls, MN with his wife, Hazel at his side.

Funeral services will be at 2: 00 P.M. on Saturday, February 14, 2009 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Plummer, MN with Pastor Frank Ehling officiating. Burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery in Red Lake Falls.

Visitation will be from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. on Friday, February 13, 2009 at Johnson Funeral Service in Red Lake Falls, MN with a 7:00 P.M. Prayer Service on Friday evening and also one hour prior to the funeral at the church on Saturday.

James Dale Zimpel was born on March 25, 1941 on the family farm in Gervais Township, Red Lake County, MN, the son of Russell and Hulda (Westerlund) Zimpel. He was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran faith. James attended school in Red Lake Falls, graduating from Lafayette High School in 1959, where he was an excellent basketball player. After graduation Jim worked for Zimpel Construction until he purchased Jims Corner Bar in Plummer in 2001. Jim also owned and operated Zimpel Furs and worked as a police officer for the City of Plummer.

Jim was married to Lee Thomson on April 8, 1961 and to this union a daughter, Sandra was born.

In 1988 he met Hazel Chase and the couple was married on December 29, 2001. Jim enjoyed hunting, fishing, socializing with his friends, and family gatherings. He also loved spending time with his black labs, Lady and Sam. Jim enjoyed spending time with his nephew Roy Dale, especially during hunting season. He was a member of Ducks Unlimited and North American Hunting Club.

Jim is survived by his wife, Hazel of Red Lake Falls, MN; one daughter, Sandy (Larry) Rohlf of Thief River Falls, MN and their children, Derek Gustafson of Grand Forks, ND, Jessica Gustafson of Fargo, ND and Lucas Rohlf of Portland, OR; Hazels children: Richard OBrien, Steve OBrien, Tracy OBrien, Mary OBrien, Michelle OBrien, and Melody Richardson; Hazels 21 grandchildren; and five Great grandchildren; brother, Russell Bud (Arlene) Zimpel of Plummer, MN; sister, Dolores Dale of Bloomington, MN; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Duane; infant brother, Richard; brother-in-law, Roy Dale, Sr., and his special aunt, Ivy Dale.

CASKETBEARERS: Derek Gustafson, Philip Zimpel, Roy Dale, Steve OBrien, John Zimpel, Jim Kelley, Richard OBrien, and Jim Anderson
HONORARY CASKETBEARERS: All of Jims fellow hunters, friends, and Corner Bar Patrons