James S. Hayenga

The funeral service for James S. Hayenga, 97, a longtime Stewartville,MN resident  will be at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday (October 7, 2023) at Zion Lutheran Church in Stewartville with Rev. Laura Nordstrom officiating. Burial will follow with military graveside honors by the Stewartville American Legion. Mr. Hayenga died Monday (October 2, 2023) of natural causes at the Stewartville Care Center where he had been a resident since November of last year.

James Sulllivan Hayenga was born November 21, 1925 in Albert Lea,MN to Everell and Esther(Sullivan) Hayenga. He grew up in Albert Lea, attended school there,  graduating from Albert Lea H.S. in 1943. In 1944 he enlisted into the US Army serving overseas in combat units in Germany during WW II where he received two Purple Hearts. Following his discharge he returned to Albert Lea before moving to Stewartville when he was employed in bookkeeping at the Racine Implement. James was married on July 12, 1958 at Zion Lutheran in Stewartville to Helen M. Bushman.  Following their marriage the couple lived in Stewartville where they raised their sons and have continued to make their home.  Jim was employed as bookkeeper at the All – American Co-operative in Stewartville, now Ag Services Inc. for over 30 years full time and over 20 years part-time until his retirement. Helen was a homemaker and was employed at the Stewartville Care Center as a nursing assistant and medical  tech. for 34 years until her retirement. Mrs. Hayenga died on January 1, 2013. Jim was a longtime member of Zion Lutheran Church where served as an usher. He was a longtime member of  the Stewartville American Legion Post 164 and the Stewartville VFW Post 8980.   Jim enjoyed reading, often books on military history  and was an avid bird feeder in his yards. He enjoyed drives with Helen, visiting the Black Hills and Amana Colonies and had a special place in his heart for their golden retrievers– Alex and Maggie. Jim and Helen always followed their grandkids sporting and school events and loved time spent with all of their family.

Jim is survived by 3 sons – Michael(Sherry) of Stewartville; Jon of Stewartville and Galen(Irene) of Evans, Ga.; 6 grandchildren – Kathaleen(Todd) Brand, Sarah(Marty) Hassig, Robert Hayenga, Mary Hayenga, Kristen Hayenga and James Hayenga; 5 great grandchildren Taylor, Zach, Blake, Becky and Colton and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years – Helen and his parents.

 A time of visitation will take place from 9 to 11:00 A.M. on Saturday morning (October 7, 2023) at Zion Lutheran Church.  Arrangements are with Griffin-Gray F.H. in Stewartville. Condolences and memories of Jim are welcome at www.griffin-gray.com

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