James D. M. Holmes

James D. M. Holmes, age 84 of Hastings died November 28, 2013. James was born June 30, 1929 in Hastings to Frank D. M. and Florence (Larson) Holmes. A Korean War veteran, Jim enlisted in the Army and served with the post war occupation forces in Yokohama, Japan. Upon returning, Jim re-enrolled at Hastings High School and entered the Minnesota National Guard. While in school, Jim played football with the �Great Team of 48.� Reactivated in 1950 he served as an Infantry 1st Sgt in Korea. In 1959 he began a 32 year career with Smead Manufacturing Company in Hastings and Los Angeles, CA. Jim retired in 1992 from both Smead MFG. and the Minnesota Army National Guard as a Chief Warrant Officer 5 (bvt). He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Iona of 54 years; infant children Paul and Elizabeth Ann; sisters Faye Kleis and Sharie Swandby; and brother Wallace. James is survived by two sons, David (Rita) Holmes of Willow River, MN and Mark (Linda) Holmes of Hastings; five grandchildren Stacey Kieffer, Stephanie (Chris) Palm, Steve (Jamey) Holmes, Denise Holmes and Charlene Holmes; also nine great grandchildren; sister Gladys (Richard) Fox of McGregor, TX; brothers Thomas Holmes of Hastings and Dale (Sue) Holmes of St. Paul; sisters-in-law Janice Nesvig, Rose Huberty, Agnes Holmes; and best friend Aggie Hartman. The funeral Mass will be held 10:30 AM Wednesday, December 4 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 2035 West Fifteenth St., Hastings. Interment will follow in the parish cemetery with Military Honors provided by the Hastings VFW Lyle Russell Post #1210. Visitation will be held from 4-8 PM Tuesday at Caturia-Smidt Funeral Home, 201 East 7th St, Hastings and one hour prior to the service at church. Pallbearers will be Thomas Novak, Terry Sieben, John Poepl, Floyd Pederson, Earle Almquist, Charles Peterson and Harry Sieben Jr. Honorary Pallbearers are members of the Hastings High School Football Team of 1948.