James "Jim" Warren

James “Jim” Warren, 98, of Rochester, MN and a longtime Stewartville, MN area resident, died of natural causes Friday (June 19, 2026) at Shorewood Senior Living Center in Rochester.

James Lucian Warren was born on May 28, 1928 in Spring Valley, MN to Roland and Marian (Wiseman) Warren. He grew up in Spring Valley and graduated HS in 1946. Jim attended Winona State Teachers College, participating on the track team as a freshman before enlisting in the US Army. He was stationed in Japan as part of the occupation force when he was urgently deployed to the Korean peninsula at the outbreak of the Korean conflict. Jim was a Chosin Reservoir survivor. Following his discharge as a US Army regular, he was a member of the MN Army Reserve until July 31st, 1960. Jim married LaVonne “Bonnie” Knoll on November 8, 1953. The couple lived in Rochester before moving to rural Stewartville where they raised their 5 children. Jim was employed with Northwestern Bell Telephone for 36 years in repairs and installation and as Central Office Technician at the time of his retirement. Mrs. Warren died on August 14, 1982. Jim married Mary Lou Sebesta on July 11th, 1987 and made their home in Rochester.
Jim was a longtime active member of the Stewartville United Methodist Church where he was an Elder and served on various committees. He also sang in the church choir. Jim was a longtime member of the Stewartville American Legion Post 164 and the Stewartville VFW Post 8980. He served on the Olmsted County Fair Board for many years and raised sheep on his farm with his family, who all enjoyed taking their sheep for show during the Olmsted County Fair week. Jim enjoyed genealogy, hunting, golfing, league bowling, and going on trips with Mary Lou. He enjoyed visiting with friends and neighbors and loved time spent with family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Jim is survived by his children: Kevin (Dawn) of Winona, MN; Matt (Nan) of Corcoran, MN; Geoff (Janet Mealey) of Owatonna; MN; Mary Stoltman of Winona, MN and Tim of rural Stewartville; step-sons: Jim Sebesta of Bloomington, MN and Dave (Karen) Sebesta of Hudson, WI; 14 grandchildren, 22  great grandchildren, and 2 great great grandchildren; Sister – Sarah Thompson of
Moorsville, NC and brother – David (Pat) Warren of Spring Valley, MN; two sisters-in-law, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wives, LaVonne and Mary Lou, his parents, 1 sister, 3 brothers, and 1 brother-in-law.

 A funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, June 24, 2026 at the Stewartville United Methodist Church with Rev. Jef Olson officiating. Burial and a committal service will take place at Hamilton Cemetery in Racine, MN. Visitation for family and friends will be held at the church two hours prior to the funeral service at 11:00 AM. Condolences and memories of Jim are welcome at www.griffin-gray.com

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