James "Jim" Vetsch
June 25, 1952 ~ September 13, 2024
James’s service will be livestreamed below starting at 11:00 AM Monday, September 23, 2024.
James “Jim” Vetsch, a beloved husband, father, grandpa, and dedicated business owner, passed away on September 13, 2024, at Sanford Medical Center surrounded by his family.
Born on June 25, 1952, in Strasburg, ND, Jim’s journey through life was one marked by hard work, as he started working on the family farm at a young age. After graduating from Strasburg High School, Jim ventured to Colorado, where he and his brother Gary embarked on a successful drywall business. In 1976, he returned to North Dakota, where he met the love of his life, Collette. They shared a beautiful life together, exchanging vows at Horace Lutheran Church in 1979 and nurturing a loving family that included their daughter, Mindy and son, Brian.
Jim’s vibrant spirit was evident in everything he did. He found joy in the simple pleasures of life, from fixing engines to casting his line while fishing. A fierce competitor at heart, he enjoyed challenging his grandchildren to foot races and participating in slow-pitch softball games. There was no slowing Jim down. His skills in the kitchen were unmatched, as he delighted in cooking traditional German dishes that reminded him of his upbringing. He also enjoyed smoking meats and pretty much everything else put in front of him.
Always willing to lend a helping hand, Jim’s kindness and generosity touched the lives of many. His legacy of hard work, dedication, and warmth will live on through those who had the privilege of knowing him.
Jim is survived by his wife, Collette; children, Mindy (Gerald) Fleischfresser, Brian (April) Vetsch; grandchildren, Noah and Grace Fleischfresser, Mason and Adeline Vetsch; mother, Mary Vetsch; siblings, Richard (Pauline) Vetsch, Gary (Louise) Vetsch, Jerome (Terrie) Vetsch, Betty Lou Vetsch, Kenneth Vetsch, Bernadine (Dave) Schmidt, Rosalind (Larry) Leier, Tom (Charlotte); and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Jim was preceded in death by his father, Edward.
Services
Visitation - Monday: September 23, 2024 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Memorial Service - Monday: September 23, 2024 11:00 am
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
We are deeply saddened about Jimmy’s passing. Our deepest condolences, thoughts, and prayers for his family.
This is cousin Annella Gefre Finck.I have many Good Memories of the Vetch Family.Many sunday’s after Church we would gather crawdads from the creek and cook them and we all enjoyed eating them.My Aunt Mary is my Godmother.sorry for your loss.Love to all.
So sorry for your loss. Sending lots of hugs and prayers. He was such a wonderful husband, great father and an amazing Papa Jimmy. He will be missed by so many.
This is Annella Gefre Finck.I have many good memories of the whole Vetsch family.Sorry for your loss.We used to catch crawdads some Sundays after church.we would then cook them and enjoy our catch.Aunt Mary is my Godmother.to bury one of your children I’m sure is so very painful.
Sorry to hear this . My condolences to you all
We are very sorry for your loss. It is so hard to hear of Jim’s passing especially when he was in such good health & fitness. Prayers for comfort for you all ♥️
Rosie & Bob Lively
Jet
I,m saddened to hear of Jim’s passing. He was such a great guy and always dependable to do a great job on the site. Worked with him over 30 years.
I will miss seeing Jimmy driving by my home on a different type of motor bike. He really enjoyed repairing older things. Bless all the Vetch family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all🙏
Hard working hands lay to rest. It was a hard day to say good bye and he will be miss terribly. Hugs and prayers to all. He will never be forgotten and there will always be stories to be told