James E. Mathiowetz, age 76 of Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, died on January 29, 2024, at Sleepy Eye Medical Center in Sleepy Eye. Visitation will be on Friday, February 2, 2024, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye Chapel with the Rosary at 3:30 pm and Parish Prayers at 3:45 pm. Visitation will continue on Saturday from 10:00 am until 11:00 am at St. Mary’s Catholic Church-North Entrance in Sleepy Eye. Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye on Saturday, February 3, 2024, at 11:00 am and will be livestreamed at https://www.facebook.com/stmarysleepyeye. The clergy will be Fr. Mark Steffl. Interment will be at Japanese Martyrs Catholic Cemetery in Leavenworth at a later date. Military Honors will be provided by Sleepy Eye Honor Guard. Arrangements are with Sturm Funeral Home in Sleepy Eye. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.
James Edward Mathiowetz, the son of Rudolph and Alma (Nelson) Mathiowetz, was born on July 7, 1947, in St. James, Minnesota and he was the oldest of seven children. James attended school in Leavenworth, Sleepy Eye, and St. James before joining the United States Navy in 1966 where he proudly served his country while stationed on the USS St. Paul. Following his honorable discharge, James served in the Army National Guard. Freedom was important to James and he was a lifelong member of the NRA.
On September 15, 1978, James was united in marriage to Lucille Sellner at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in New Ulm. They made their home in Sleepy Eye where James worked as a boiler operator for the City of Sleepy Eye for a number of years.
James never met a stranger and could easily strike up a conversation with anyone. He enjoyed fishing, had a fondness for cactus, and loved cats. He especially loved watching TV and reading with his cat Patches nearby. He was an avid gardener and generously shared the produce he and Lucille grew with family and friends. James especially enjoyed the time he spent with his family and friends who knew they could always count on him to give a helping hand if needed.
James is survived by his wife, Lucille of 45 years; siblings, Jerry (Janet) of Oklahoma, Elaine of Arizona, Harold of Corcoran, Ervin of New Ulm, Jean (Mike) of Wyoming, and Rudolph (Pam) of New Ulm; several nieces and nephews; and other loving relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his parents-in-law.