James Morgenroth

james morgenroth

James Joseph Morgenroth was born August 30, 1957 to Joseph and Mathilda Morgenroth.  He graduated from Perham High School in 1975.  Jim grew up on the family farm and learned to work at an early age.  After his chores were done he would work for local farmers.  He spent his falls hunting, trapping and fishing with his dad and brothers.  After high school he worked for Tuffy's and Esser Plumbing.  At Esser's he learned his plumbing skills and was an accomplished plumber and handyman.  There wasn't a job he wouldn't tackle, which was evident by the remodeling of his own home and how he helped others.  Jim moved to Fargo and then Harwood, ND where he worked for Dakota Fence for 26 years.  On April 25, 1997 he married Michelle, the love of his life, and soul mate.  They enjoyed hunting, gardening, and many fishing trips to Lake of the Woods, where they never got skunked.

Jim kept in touch with high school friends, John and Mark, and always found time for telling stories.  He enjoyed spending time with his step grandson, Dylan, and teaching him to fish.

Every fall Jim enjoyed a boy's only hunting trip to South Dakota with long time friends Bill and John.  This fall Jim shot the buck of a lifetime with his bow.  He spent many an hour fishing and making jerky with Mike, his great friend and father-in-law.  He enjoyed teasing his mother-in-law, Aline, and eating the baking she always made "just for him." 

Jim found his peace in God and nature.  He was never as happy as when he was in a tree stand or fish house.

Jim started his battle with cancer in 2008.  He was cancer free for 3 years.  On January 11, 2012 at 8:30 PM Jim lost his battle.  He was surrounded by his loving wife, family and dog, Mattie, who he called the "little rat".  His easy smile and big heart will be missed by all.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Paula; his son, Michael; and sister-in-law, Darlene.

He is missed by Michelle, his wife of 15 years; two brothers, Tom (Barb)of Perham; Gary (Barb) of Waite Park; his sister, Mary (Bob) Nephew of Erskine; many nieces and nephews; step daughter, Heather; step grandson, Dylan; brother and sister-in-law, Wayne (Angie)Osatiuk of Rosemount;  John (Rhonda) Osatiuk of Maple Grove; father & mother-in-law, Mike (Aline) Osatiuk of Fargo.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials to Hospice of the Red River Valley or to the Roger Maris Cancer Center.

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  1. ANOKA / PERHAM MN
    To Jim’s Family
    I am very saddened to hear of your/our great loss.

    I met Jimmy in the early 60’s when our Dad’s fished together at Rush Lake. Older brother Gary was the fishing guide and knew where to get the big sunnies. Oh to go back for just one more day of fishing with “Morgy”!

    We were good friends growing up at Rush/Perham and classmates as well. I will miss his great sense of humor and that booming, raspy laughter!
    He was the salt of the earth!

    My heart felt sympathy goes out to his entire family and all those by whom he will be missed.

    Respectfully,
    Pat

  2. Winnipeg ManitobaDear Michelle and family,

    I’m so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing.

    Even without having the privilege of seeing you two very often, it was apparent that you shared a love for many of the same things and had a bond that words cannot define.

    May those beautiful memories of what you shared bring you comfort.

    I regret that I’m not able to be there to give my support and comfort, but you are in my thoughts and prayers.

    Big squishy hugs!!!
    Linda xo

  3. Maple Grove MN
    Jimmy and I started our lives together in elementary school, St Lawrence Church and on through High School and Tuffy’s. We lost touch after graduation and I regret that. He was a good person.
    My prayer’s and thoughts to his family.

  4. Bemidji MN
    Scott graduated with Jim and worked with him at Tuffy’s. He’s told me stories about helping Jim when he was boxing and of fun times they shared. I met Jim when Scott and I got together in the mid-80’s. We enjoyed having Jim and Michael over, the adults hanging out and grilling and the kids running around the yard playing.

    Jim was a true friend — always there if you needed anything.

    We just want to let you know he will always be in our hearts.

  5. Detroit Lakes MN
    Jim was a class mate of mine in the Perham High School Class of 1975. What a wonderful man! God Bless and our sympathy to the family

  6. Bismarck Michelle – We are thinking of you and praying for you at this difficult time. Very sorry to hear about your loss. God Bless.

  7. Palm Harbor Fl.Michele, Please accept my sympathy.
    Kelly and Cody have kept me informed about Jim. Joanne Chadwick

  8. Michelle, my thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. May you find comfort among friends, family, and the memory of Jim that will live on forever.

    My condolences,
    Dustin

  9. Bismarck ND
    Michelle – Very sorry to for your loss. I can’t imagine how tough this has been for you and I hope you are doing as well as can be expected. Kathy and I will be keeping you in our thoughts and prayers as you go through this. God Bless and our condolences.

  10. Fargo ND
    Jimmy it was a pleasure knowing you as a coworker and a friend for many years at DFC. We all knew you as one tuff son of a gun, but there is no one with a bigger heart. Michelle my prayers go out to you in this time of great sadness. Jimmy will be missed greatly by all of us.

  11. Eden Prairie MN
    Jim was a high school friend always had a smile and a laugh. Sad to see him go so young. Best wishes to the family

  12. Fargo North Dakota
    Rest in peace old friend,won’t be the same huntin without you but we will carry on!!Will miss you buddy!!

  13. West Fargo ND
    Michelle- our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Celebrate his life, and be at peace.

  14. Michelle, words can not express our feelings at this time. You, and everyone who’s lives were touched by Jim, are in the Co A, 231 BSB family’s thoughts and prayers for comfort and peace.

  15. Fargo Jim thanks for the memories that you have gave me when working with you at 3-d , dakota fence . may the rock angles watch over you in the land of Heaven . Until we meet again . peace !

  16. Grand Forks North Dakota
    Michelle,

    we are so sorry for James’s passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers.


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