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James “Jim” H. Barthel

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James “Jim” H. Barthel, 72 year old resident of Swanville, MN passed away Saturday, February 10, 2024 at the St. Otto’s Care Center in Little Falls. A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM on Friday, February, 23, 2024, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Swanville, MN with Father Ron Dockendorf officiating. Burial will be in the Springbrook Cemetery in Swanville. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 PM on Thursday and from 9:30 to 10:30 AM on Friday at St. John’s Catholic Church.
James “Jim” Henry Barthel was born on November 10, 1951 at St. Gabriel’s Hospital in Little Falls, MN to the late Henry O. and Marie C. (Mootz) Barthel. He was raised on the family farm just north of Swanville. He farmed on the family farm doing what he loved, raising dairy cattle and working the fields. James was a member of the Swanville High School Class of 1970. He was blessed with 4 children from his first marriage. He was later united in marriage to Lynn M. Kraska on November 28, 1987. With this marriage, he gained a son and together they had 2 more children. He loved his hobbies as much as farming. He was an avid hunter of coyote, raccoon and deer in and around Swanville. He also enjoyed the many hunting trips he took with family and friends. He did his fair share of fishing no matter the season. James also enjoyed showing horses. James could talk to anyone, especially about his hobbies. He had many stories to tell and everyone loved to hear them. It was rare to find James without his Little Debbie snacks and Pepsi or Sun Drop.
James is survived by his wife Lynn of Swanville; children; Julie (Don) Thomas, Jon (Jess Browen) Barthel, Jene (Laurie) Barthel, Josh (Toni) Kraska, Kayla (Kasey) Wensmann and Dan (Heather Cook) Barthel. Grandchildren, Heather (Mike), Kyle (Kate), Katelyn (Erik), Hunter, Madelyn, Ethan, Ali, James, William, Henry, Molly, Beau, Lillian and Emelia. Great-grandchildren, Keisen, Kailey, Kolten, Ellie, Brielle and Mason; foster brother, Herman (Mary Jane) Peine and good friend, Jerry Schlief.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Marie Barthel; sister and brother-in-law, Marc and Lois Pelzer; and son-in-law, Jay Bodle.