Jim Lolkus

Jim Lolkus, 92, Starbuck (formerly Hoffman), died Tuesday, June 21, 2011, at the Minnewaska Lutheran Home in Starbuck. Jim Lolkus was born December 4, 1918, in Chandler, Minnesota, to Pieternella (Van Eck) and Adrianus Lolkus. He was the seventh of eight children. Jim grew up on the family farm near Chandler. He enlisted in the US Army in 1942 and was discharged in 1945. Jim married Esther Paulsen on September 16, 1945, and they began farming in the Chandler area, working side by side. To this union two children were born, Lynda Sue and Ronald Lee. They moved to the Westport, Minnesota, area where they continued to farm. From there they moved to California where they lived for three years, working hard to earn money to move back to Minnesota and buy a better farm. In 1959, they settled near Hoffman, Minnesota, where they continued to farm. During those years, they also owned and managed the Pylin Drive Inn in Morris for four years where they had lots of fun times with customers and employees. In 1977, Jim and Esther retired from farming and built a new home in Hoffman across the street from their best friends, Lloyd and Muriel Christopherson. During retirement Jim and Esther enjoyed traveling to the southwestern U.S., California, and Canada, and many times with family and friends. They enjoyed the casinos and flea marketing together as well as visiting relatives. After losing his son Ron in 1990 and his loving wife in 1991, life was very lonesome at home. To help himself move forward, Jim spent many hours with his daughter Lynda and son-in-law Don Sabolik. He drove tractor and helped with the cattle and any building projects. Jim was always good at building things. He also spent many hours driving tractor for Jennes and Arlou Swenson. He enjoyed his grandchildren and great-grandchildren immensely and loved to help where he was needed. Jim prided himself in having the greenest, thickest lawn in the neighborhood and the largest bucket of candy at Halloween, his favorite holiday. He had a great sense of humor and loved to tease. He was happiest when he was working and helping family. Other hobbies included fishing, making pickled herring, gardening, especially his strawberries, and making Strawberry Rhubarb jam. Jim loved his tool shed, building bird houses and feeding the birds. Afternoon coffee and dice shaking at the Dew Drop Cafe were a must, and the pool table in his basement never got dusty with his grandkids and great-grandkids around. He loved drives in the country and to the Casino, sometimes with his good friend Bill Frischmon. Jim wasn't known for driving slow, as most older people are; his last ticket was just a few years ago! Jim remained in his own home until he was nearly 90 years old, after which he moved to an apartment in Starbuck to be nearer his family. He loved visiting them daily, which also included a visit to the Dairy Queen. He was a resident at the Minnewaska Lutheran Home for the past one and a half years where he received excellent care. Jim's great-granddaughters Sydney and Nika Blair , ages 10 and 18, both work at the home and added much to the quality of Jim's life. His last day of exciting fun was spent at the Casino with his great-granddaughter Nika - one last time of gambling spent with one he loved so much! He was preceded in death by his loving wife Esther in 1991, his son Ron in 1990, his grandson Mike Sabolik in 2002, his son-in-law Don Sabolik in 2006, his parents, and six of his siblings. He is survived by his daughter Lynda Sabolik Searcy (Dale) of Glenwood; his granddaughters Lori (Charles) Smelt of Northville, MI, and Jessi (Steve) Blair of Glenwood; his great-grandsons Matthew and Ryan Smelt, his great-granddaughters Nika and Sydney Blair; and one brother, Art of California; and many other relatives, nieces and nephews. As Jim said in his "Goodbye Notes"... Don't leave any good rings on me or my good belt buckle. "GOODBYE NOW, IT'S THE END OF THE ROAD!" He will be MISSSED very much. Memorial Service: 2:00 pm Tuesday, June 28, 2011, Messiah Lutheran Church, Hoffman Clergy: Rev. Bob Toso Burial: Lands Cemetery, Hoffman Visitation: 5-7 pm Monday, June 27, Erickson-Smith Funeral Home, Hoffman; one hour prior to service at church

Funeral Home: Erickson-Smith Funeral Home - Hoffman 103 7th Street North Hoffman, MN US 56339

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Previous Events

Visitation
Monday, June 27, 2011
Service
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
cemetery
Tuesday, June 28, 2011