ROLLINGSTONE -- James "Jim" Kreidermacher, 95, of Rollingstone died Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020, at Brookdale Senior Living in Winona, of natural causes. Jim was born June 26, 1925, on the family farm in Mount Vernon Township, rural Rollingstone. His parents were Lawrence and Hedwig 'Hattie' (Kohner) Kreidermacher.
Jim met Rosemary "Rosie" Schmit in the third grade at Holy Trinity School. They were 22 years old when they married on Oct. 11, 1947, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Rollingstone. After high school, Jim worked at several area farms and then worked for Rosie's father at what is now Rollingstone Feed & Grain. He became a partner with Bob Schmit in 1945, and then passed the business to his son Paul in 1990. Jim continued working there until he retired in 2007. Even after retirement, Jim continued to walk to the mill most mornings to greet customers and pass the time.
Jim will be most remembered for his infectious laugh and constant jokes. He was never afraid to bend the rules a bit if it put a smile on someone's face. Jim and Rosie's kitchen table was always open to anyone who dropped by for conversation and stories. Jim also enjoyed many years of bowling league and golfing with best friends Fritz and Theresa Hoffman.
He taught us all the importance of adaptability. When Rose couldn't care for the home anymore due to Alzheimer's disease, he learned to cook and do laundry. When his friends and family passed away, he made new friends who kept him feeling young. When the town's bar burned down, his kitchen became the meeting place on Friday evenings. Jim was in the Sunset Lions Club, receiving the Melvin Jones outstanding service award, and he volunteered for 30 years at the Rollingstone Fire Department. He belonged to the Rollingstone Business Association and was a Hubbard Dealer board member. Jim was a lifelong active member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church and a member of both the Knights of Columbus and the Elks.
Survivors include two children, LouAnn (Scott) Wiens of Lewiston and Paul (Mary) Kreidermacher of Rollingstone, and son-in-law Bob (Brenda) Jones of Hastings; six grandchildren, Brian (Christianne) Jones & Michael (Stephanie) Jones, Michelle (Darren) Ginther & Jessica (Dan) Wiens, Adam Kreidermacher & Sam (Laura) Kreidermacher; six great-grandchildren--Lalayna, Lola & Hattie Jones, Carsten & Lucy Ginther, Eleanor Kreidermacher, and one more on the way. Jim was preceded in death by his daughter Jane Jones and his wife of 65 years, Rose, as well as brothers and sisters--Francis, Bernice Semling, Winifred Tlougan, Leonard, Robert, Conrad and Jack.
Jim's family would like to thank Brookdale Senior Living staff for their care during his short two months living there.
A prayer service will be 11:30 a.m., Saturday, November 21, 2020 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church with the Reverend Will Thompson officiating. Visitation will be 10 a.m., until 11:30 a.m. He will be laid to rest at Holy Trinity Cemetery. Please wear a mask and follow social distancing protocols. Cards may be mailed to: Hoff Funeral Home, c/o Jim Kreidermacher Family, 3480 Service Drive, Goodview, MN 55987. Hoff Celebration of Life Center-Goodview is assisting the family with arrangements. Please share a memory of Jim, sign his online guestbook and view his video tribute when it becomes available at www.hofffuneral.com.
Tributes
Steve wrote on Nov 22, 2020:
"Jim stood up for me at my confirmation and I will never forget that gift. Always had a smile and something clever to say. He was always a good example of how a man should treat a woman. And to often that is a rare thing these days. God bless you and your family Jim and Rosey."
Bill & Melanie Doran wrote on Nov 21, 2020:
"Jim will be greatly missed, he was always a source of positive thought and humor."
Dale and Pat Bailey wrote on Nov 19, 2020:
"Sorry for your loss my dad and mom (Dale and Lois Hulshizer) enjoyed many trips and party\'s with Rose and Jim .We all enjoyed them very much when they stop at mom and dad\'s .Prayers for the whole family."
Bob & Elayne Marg wrote on Nov 19, 2020:
"Jim was a wonderful man and will be deeply missed by us, and the community. He was a great friend, and always willing to help out in any way he could. When I started farming he was there to support my efforts and also gave me good advice about farming and business practices. Our kids always enjoyed going to the mill with me when they were young and interact with Jim. It was nice to see him back at the mill and visit with him after he retired. Our heartfelt condolences to your family. Peace
Bob & Elayne Marg "
Bill Hoffman wrote on Nov 19, 2020:
"The Hoffman family extends our sympathy to all of Jim\'s family. Jim was & is a part of what makes Rollingstone a great place to call home. He inspired his kids & grandkids to carry on his legacy in Rollingstone. He was someone that was always looked up to & respected by our family !! GOD BLESS JIM & HIS FAMILY"
vonda wrote on Nov 18, 2020:
"Jim was a wonerful kind person,i remember Jim and Rosie coming to my moms(Lida Greethurst) home for 4th of july partys and christmas partys so much fun. God Bless"
Lindsey wrote on Nov 18, 2020:
"Jim was a special man who always had a smile for everyone. His joy and love of life was infectious. He loved so deeply and so much.
We are so sorry for your loss,
Lindsey Ziegler and Kevin Scharber"
Dennis & Kathy Speltz wrote on Nov 18, 2020:
"It was always a pleasure to visit with Jim at the mill whenever I came back to Rollingstone over the years. He had a kind word to say about everyone. Our sincere sympathy to all of you in the loss of your beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Dennis & Kathy Speltz"
Mary Kreidermacher-Holst (neice) wrote on Nov 18, 2020:
"So sorry for your huge loss. He always had a smile on his face. He loved life. I\'m so glad my mom (Dolores Kreidermacher), was able to treat him with goodies on his way home from the mill. Rest in peace Uncle Jim."
Mike & Wendy Miller wrote on Nov 17, 2020:
"LouAnn, Scott, and family, So sorry to hear of LouAnn\'s Dad\'s passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you in this sad time. Wendy & Mike Miller"
Cynthia Kay wrote on Nov 17, 2020:
"My mother - Irene Curtright - & I lived across the street from the mill in Rollingstone. Every time Jim saw one of us he always waved and smiled but my fondest memory of Jim came years later when Rosie was in the Lewiston nursing home where I was send for rehab after severely breaking my foot. When I first arrived they assigned me to share a room with Rosie until a private room became available. Jim came to spend time with her every day. He would sit in the recliner in Rosie\'s room and hold her hand. He spoke constantly and tenderly to her, reminiscing about their dating years, their wedding day, their marriage, their family and other good times spent together. He would pat her hand and say \"you are my special girl, my Rosie\" and then he would ever-so-softly sing to her. I wish I could remember the name of the song but does it really matter? I do remember wondering if I would ever find such a wonderful husband for myself. Jim you were truly a special, special man and I\'m sure your family and friends will keep you in their hearts. Remember, those who live on in our hearts are never really gone. God bless you and your family. Don\'t be sad, rejoice that God blessed you with Jim for all those years! "
Don / Bunny McRae wrote on Nov 17, 2020:
"I treasure the Bowling nights when we met up with Jim and Rosie, along with Fritz and Theresa Hoffman at Winona Bowl. Those are Golden memories. Rest in peace Jim."
Don / Bunny McRae wrote on Nov 17, 2020:
"Rest in Peace JIm, I\'ll always remember bowling With Jim and Rosie and Fritz and Thresa Hoffman at Winona Bowll.Times like that are Golden memories. Sorry for your loss."
Ruth (Mueller) Welsh wrote on Nov 17, 2020:
"What an awesome man!! Jim and Rose were big friends of my Mom and Dad (Don and Rose Mueller). I was pretty young but do remember visiting them many, many times. RIP Jim....your family is in our prayers."
Monica Harrell wrote on Nov 17, 2020:
"I am sad to hear about Jim\'s passing. I enjoyed visiting with him when Rosie was at Lewiston Villa. He was always so positive and caring of everyone. My sympathy to family and the community of Rollingstone. "
Pat Buckbee wrote on Nov 17, 2020:
"Dick first met Jim when he delivered Hubbard feeds to the mill. Jim always had a smile and something funny to say. One day we both went to Worthington to pick up crystalx barrels. We left at 3am and Jim had no headligts on his truck, so he followed 10\' behind Dick all the way to Worthington. When we came back it was daylight, so he didn\'t need headlights. We enjoyed both Jim and Rosie at Hubbard conventions.
Dick and Pat Buckbee"
Jim Reisdorf wrote on Nov 16, 2020:
"Jim worked for my parents on the farm. What a wonderful awesome man. Had a great attitude about life and his respect for life and every person was out of this world. It was a great pleasure to know Jim and his family.
Rest In Peace Jim we will never forget you. Jim and Ann Reisdorf Family. ??"
Laurie Clobes wrote on Nov 16, 2020:
"Our sincere condolences to you all. I remember how he was kind to my two nephews when they saw him at the Mill or on my Dad\'s farm. Blessed be his memory. Laurie, Charlie, and family"
Dave & Kathy Greden wrote on Nov 16, 2020:
"To Jim\'s family! You have lost a good and wonderful man, everybodies friend, and a great neighbor to me 60+ years ago. Our sincere condolences.
R.I.P. old buddy!!
Dave & Kathy Greden"
Lucy Roberts wrote on Nov 16, 2020:
"I am so sorry for your loss. Your Dad was a very special man. I used to work at Lewiston Villa and cared for your mother. It was so great when your Dad would come every day to sit with your Mom. He said, \"she may not remember me but I remember her.\". Now they are back together."
Carolyn Speltz wrote on Nov 16, 2020:
"So sorry for your loss. Such a fun/friendly guy! Will be deeply missed.
Kelly and Carolyn Speltz"
Jana Ruhoff wrote on Nov 16, 2020:
"Just such a good, good man!! ??????"