James Dulka
August 26, 1933 ~ October 15, 2019
James “Jim” Dulka, born August 26th, 1933 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, son of Wallace and Rose (Verhalen) Dulka, passed peacefully on October 15th, 2019 under Hospice care at Villa Maria Nursing Home.
He grew up on a farm near Waukesha, Wisconsin, and after graduating from Mukwonago High School, Jim joined the Air Force and was on active duty during the Korean War. After his honorable discharge, Jim joined IBM and saw the office technology landscape change from time clocks and typewriters to desktop computers. In 1975, Jim moved the family from Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Oklee, Minnesota, to live out his dream of living on a hobby farm. He was an active member of the community and the Catholic church. Jim continued to work for IBM and on his hobby farm until 1987. Upon retirement from IBM, Jim started his own computer service company and continued to take care of businesses in northern Minnesota until fully retiring in 1998. Jim was a creative genius and ultimate do-it-yourselfer. He converted more than a few garages into living spaces and did his fair share of remodeling projects.
In 1959, he married the love of his life Kathleen “Kathy” Gunkel. Together, they raised 7 children, Matt (Kelly) Dulka of Hayward, CA, John (Laura) Dulka of St. Augustine, FL, Rick (Jan) Dulka of Trail, MN, Jeanne (Jon) Lindquist of Moorhead, MN, TJ (Karin) Dulka of Minneapolis, MN, Andy (Deb) Dulka of Eden Prairie, MN, Jimmy (Jackie) Dulka of Fargo, ND, 20 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.
In 2019, despite Jim's health struggles, they celebrated 60 years of marriage surrounded by family. One of Jim's greatest pleasures was spending time with his family.
Jim is survived by a sister, Ann Kernien of Waukesha, WI.
Jim is preceded in death by two brothers, John “Jack” Dulka, Thomas “Tom” Dulka; a sister, Marilyn Bergman and parents, Wallace and Rose Dulka.
Visitation is from 5 pm-7 pm with prayer service at 7 pm on Friday, October 18th, at St. Anthony's Catholic Church, Fargo, ND. The Funeral Mass is at 10 am, Saturday, October 19th, 2019, also at St. Anthony's Catholic Church, Fargo, ND.
In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Hospice of the Red River Valley and the Veterans Honor Flight of ND/MN.
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His smile said it all! So welcoming and loving. Wonderful man who made a great family with his wife Kathy.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Karla and Paul Nistler
Jim was my uncle and godfather I have known him all my am going to miss him very much 🌹🌹🌹🌹
I a niece of Jim Dulka he was my favorite uncle and godfather am going to miss him every much
May Jim have eternal peace and joy with our loving God. He was a man of faith who shared his gifts with many. Back in the days when the internet was just being implemented in education Jim helped our school at St. Joseph’s School in Red Lake Falls get up and running and I know he helped other Catholic schools in the Diocese of Crookston too. I will be forever grateful to him for his assistance. His legacy of love and faith lives on in his family and also the many contributions he made to help and serve others. Fr. Tim
A life well lived. Proud to call him our friend.
Prayers for the Dulka family.
Uncle Jim always had a joke up his sleeve and a smile on his face. His children had the best role model ever. Aunt Kathy was his perfect match ❤️ He will be missed by all !
My very deepest & heartfelt sympathy to all!
I have so many wonderful memories of Jim growing up. One of my favorite memories is that he would always stop by our house when he was on leave so Mom could sew his new set of stripes on his uniform. He & all the Dulka’s were more like brothers & sisters to Joan & me than cousins. He was a gentle giant & loved by so many. He & all the memories will remain as long as I live. RIP Jim!
Love you & you will be missed!!!
Marie
He was a very kind and understanding man. My words cannot express my feelings enough.
My deepest sympathies to Kathy and all of his family.
This wonderful sweet man will always be remembered. Love you Jim! Say hi to Tom. My condolences go out to the entire family.
Sorry to see this. Keeping your family in prayer.
Andy, Kathy and family, my thoughts and prayers are with all of you! I will always remember Jim’s great laugh and smile!
Our condolences to the Dulka family. Uncle Jim was always a fun-loving uncle we visited often on the homestead in Mukwonago. Rest In Peace
Joe and Jody Braxel