James Schwertel, 80

James Joseph Schwertel, age 80, of Hudson, passed away Oct. 14 at Fairview University Hospital in Minneapolis.

Jim was born Dec. 13, 1931, in La Crosse, Wis., the son of Alfred and Irene (Meyers) Schwertel. Jim graduated from Aquinas High School in La Crosse, the class of 1949. He proudly served his country in the United States Army. Jim was united in marriage on Sept. 6, 1952, to Sonya Jones at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in La Crosse. Their marriage was blessed with four sons: Steven, David, Richard, and Thomas. Jim worked as a technologist for 3M for 19 years until his retirement in 1993.

James was a true outdoorsman who relished in the beauty and peacefulness of nature. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, and gardener. He also enjoyed baking cookies and helping out others with the local food giveaway.

He is survived by his wife, Sonya; sons, Steven of Hudson, David (Sue) of Little Rock, Ark., Richard (Linda) of Hudson, and Thomas (Camie) of St. Joseph, Mo.; grandchildren, Alan, Dan, Heather, Ashley, Cassie, Ashlea, Jake, and Sam; great-grandchildren, Taylor and Eli; sisters, Mona (Vern) Rybold and Betty (Gordon) Searle, both of La Crosse.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Irene Schwertel.

Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 18, at O'Connell Family Funeral Home of Hudson, 520 S. 11th St., with Fr. Patrick McConnell officiating. Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will take place at Willow River Cemetery in Hudson with a time of fellowship following the interment at St. Patrick's Catholic Church. Memorials preferred to Autism Speaks.

Funeral services are entrusted to the O'Connell Family Funeral Home of Hudson, 715-386-3725, www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com.

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