"Jeanne and family, We were so sorry to hear of Jim\'s passing, only a couple of hours before the funeral, leaving us no time to go to the service. You are in our thoughts and prayers. May he rest in peace. You have our deepest sympathies."
In loving memory of
Jim Rainey
December 20, 1931 - October 4, 2021
Jim Rainey, 89, of St. Charles died Monday, October 4, 2021, at his home. Jim was born at home, December 20, 1931. He graduated from St. Charles High School and attended Winona State, majoring in music. Jim then entered the United States Navy, serving on the Carrier U.S. Philippine Sea during the Korean War. Following his discharge from the Navy, Jim went to work at a sawmill at Eugene, Oregon for a year. He then returned to St. Charles and married Jeanne Reisdorf October 12, 1957, at St. Mary's Church, Oak Ridge in Winona County. They made their home at the Rainey family farm south of St. Charles. Jim worked for Home Produce in St. Charles, before going to work at First National Bank, later Merchants Bank in the insurance and trust department. He later worked for Smith Agency in St. Charles until his retirement. Jim also clerked for auctions with Murt Boyum for many years.
In Jim's early years, he had a passion for music and was classically trained on the piano. Following his service in the Navy he set his music aside, until his later years when he rediscovered the great joy his music brought him and those around him.
His greatest passion was fishing. He fondly remembered biking to Saratoga to fish as a boy. He went on to share his fishing passion with his sons and grandchildren, as well as many friends.
Jim was a member of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church and the St. Charles Veterans of Foreign Wars Post.
Survivors include his wife, Jeanne, two sons, Dan (Carol) Rainey of Stewartville and Fran (Dawn) Rainey of St. Charles, grandchildren; Sarah (Andy) Dwyer, Emily (David) Fritsch, Julie (Richard) Visger, Mike (Lori) Rainey, Tim (Jessi) Rainey and Laura Rainey, great-grandchildren, Tegan, Tucker, Madison, Ben, Abbie, Elsa, Owen, and Noah. Jim was preceded in death by a sister, Vesta and two brothers, Guy and Jack.
A Funeral Mass will be 2 p.m. Saturday, October 9, 2021, at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church with the Reverend Tim Biren officiating. Military honors will follow outside the church. There will be a visitation held from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, October 8 at the Hoff Funeral Home of St. Charles, as well as one hour prior to the Mass on Saturday at the church. Burial will be at Saratoga Cemetery. Please share a memory of Jim at his online guestbook and view his video tribute, when it becomes available at www.hofffuneral.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the church. Hoff Funeral Service of St. Charles is assisting the family with arrangements.
Tributes
"Sandy and Phil want to share are deepest sympathies to Jim\'s family He truly was a mentor "
"Dear family of Jim Rainey........My deepest sympathy to you on the loss of your husband, father, grandfather, and great=grandfather.....I knew Jeannie from Herf-Jones and Dawn is my cousin.....May you keep all the memories of Jim tucked deep in your hearts and he will be only a heartbeat away....Margaret Beech"
"Sorry for your loss. Memories will keep Jim with you always. Prayers to you."
"Our deepest sympathy in your loss of Jim. He was a special, friendly man, and we are blessed to have known him. May he rest in peace, Amen. Our love and prayers, Tom and Olivia Heim"
"Jeanne prayers for you Jim was a good friend always "
"Sending thoughtful memories of Jim when you would bring him to the Assisted Living for Communion. He will be surely missed by all who knew him as he was a very wonderful man. So glad I had the pleasure of knowing him, through the American Legion as well. He will truly be missed and we send our sympathy, condolences and love to Jeannie and the entire family. "
"Hugs and prayers for Jeannie and family, we are so sorry to hear about Jim passing, he was such a great guy that left a memory with everyone he met. May you find some comfort in all the good memories left in your heart. We know that Jim & Francis will be catching those big fish now. RIP Jim."
"We are so sorry to hear of Jim\'s passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of Jim\'s family. We are unable to attend the services for Jim but our thoughts will be with you during this time and the days ahead. Mike and Wendy Miller"
"I am so proud that my sister found this great guy Jim Rainey. He was a man of few words but every word meant something. Not only was he a family man but a friend of everyone that met him and knew him. I will miss Jim as a brother in law and my friend. Rest In Peace Jim because we will miss You. The Reisdorf Family. ????"
"So sorry and sad dear friend. Your family has a direct connection to God now .Love and prayers to all of you. John and Pat Meisch"
"Jeanie, Dan and Fran. So sorry to hear this news. Always looked forward to seeing your Dad at the Saratoga cemetery for the Memorial Day activities. We had a nice chat this year after the gun salute. May your many good memories ease your sorrow. God?s blessings to your families. "
"Jeanie and family, Orv and I are heartbroken hearing the news. Jim was a remarkable man and so kind. It is hard to believe that it is time to say goodbye, but we know he was welcomed with open arms. We cherish our memories of Jim over the years and know that he is at peace. Your family is in our hearts and prayers. We are very sorry. May he R.I.P. Love to all of you now and always. Orv and Janell"
"Jeannie and family we are so sorry to hear about Jim passing, he was such a great guy and always had a smile for everyone. The heavens have gained a beautiful angel and will be fishing everyday and catching all the big ones. With our deepest sympathy. Terry & Maribeth Garteski"
"Jean, so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our prayers. Jim was the best. Roger & Sandy Smith"