James A. "Jim" Holmstrom

James A. "Jim" Holmstrom, age 83 of Hastings, died peacefully on Wednesday morning, December 12, 2018, at Regina Senior Living in Hastings. James Allen, the son of Andres and Eda (Carlson) Holmstrom, was born on September 23, 1935, in Hastings. Following his graduation from Hastings High School with the class of 1953, Jim enlisted in the United States Navy Reserves and later the Army Reserves, and was granted an Honorable Discharge after twenty-eight years of dedication. Jim was a longtime employee at Northwestern Refinery, first in Maintenance, later in welding, and eventually retired as Fire Equipment Manager. As a young father, Jim was a dedicated supporter of his sons wrestling teams and matches, and even continued to attend events throughout his life. Jim was a long time Knights of Columbus Member, first as a Charter Member and Grand Knight with Council 5647 in St. Paul Park, and most recently was a Past Grand Knight with Council 1600 in Hastings. He enjoyed building and remodeling homes, fishing, working in the yard, bowling, and most of all, spending time with his family. On September 12, 1992, Jim was united in marriage to Margaret (Bennett) Van Bogart at St. Ritas Catholic Church in Cottage Grove. They enjoyed dancing in their early years, playing cards, traveling in their motor home, and spending time with friends and family. He was preceded in death by his parents; and by his siblings, Linnea Pajerski, Clarice Valois, Ken Holmstrom, Paul Holmstrom, Lucille Pike, and Verlin Holmstrom. Jim is survived by his wife, Margaret; children, Kevin (Arcel) Holmstrom, Kenneth Holmstrom, Dean (Tammy) Holmstrom, Brian Holmstrom, and Charlene Holmstrom; step children, David (Valerie) Van Bogart, Daniel (Char) Van Bogart, Michael (Debbie) Van Bogart, Mark (Sue) Van Bogart, John (Kristie) Van Bogart, and Catherine (Marcel) Lamers; eighteen grandchildren and nineteen great grandchildren; siblings, Violet Borner, Betty (Loren) Deering, and Marjorie (Dedrick) Terveen; and by many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 18, 2018, at St. Ritas Catholic Church in Cottage Grove, with Father Ron Kreul officiating. Immediately following the Mass, a reception will be held at church. Interment with Military Honors provided by Hastings VFW Lyle Russell Post 1210 will be held at Lakeside Cemetery in Hastings. Family and friends are cordially invited to a visitation from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Monday evening, and for one hour prior to Mass Tuesday morning, all at St. Ritas Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to The Alzheimers Association or to the donors choice in memory of Jim. Arrangements are being completed by Caturia, Smidt Starkson Funeral Home Crematory of Hastings.