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BORN
1944
DIED
2013
FUNERAL HOME
James Nauer Obituary
He was born April 21, 1944, in Chicago, to Anthony and Margaret (Markey) Nauer. On April 20, 1968, he married Cynthia Thompson in Edina, Minn.
Jim worked at the FAA for many years as a technical analyst. His real passion was the Illinois Railway Museum, where he volunteered as superintendent of operations for 17 years and served as president.
He is survived by his wife, Cindy; his sons, James and Scott (Shalom Owen); his parents, Anthony and Margaret; and his sisters, Sherry (Ed) Kairis and Camille (Pat) Graver.
A memorial visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 9, at Marengo-Union Funeral Home, 505 E. Grant Highway, Marengo. The service will be at 7 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 225 N. Michigan Ave., #1210, Chicago, IL 60601 or to the Illinois Railway Museum, 7000 Olson Road, Union, IL 60180.
For information, call the funeral home at 815-568-8131. Online condolences may be made at www.marengo-unionfuneralhome.com.
Sign the guest book at www.NWHerald.com/obits
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Nauer
Karla Baxter
May 16, 2013
So very sorry to hear of the passing of Jim Nauer. Was a mentor and supervisor for many years on FAA contracts and I got to know him well. My deepest sympathy to his wife Cindy and family as Jim will be missed by many who knew him.
May 14, 2013
Great to have known Jim so many years ago at Winona and St. Mary's. His passing is a significant milestone for those of us who knew him as a classmate. I can still recall some of the guys at Aquinas screaming and hollering out "Nauer" this and that. It brings a good smile to my face. Patrick O'Leary
John Devereaux
May 13, 2013
Jim Nauer was a classmate and a good friend at St. Mary's College. Although Diana and I have not seen Cindy and Jim for many years, my wife and I cherish the memories of Jim's humor and good nature. He once tried to teach us to waterski at their cottage with very little success. Jim would just shake his head at our ineptness and utter a few derogatory comments to helpfully encourage us. Jim was unique individual who will be missed by all. Diana and I will keep him in our thoughts and prayers. John and Diana Devereaux
Mike Dooley
May 13, 2013
Cindy, I just learned of Jim's passing from another St. Mary's University of MN alumnus. I offer you and your family all of my sympathy and prayers. I truly regret never having been able to be in touch with Jim following graduation. He was indeed a wonderful, kind, human being.
Randy Allegrezza
May 10, 2013
Jim, Thanks for everything you had done for me at IRM. You will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends.
Joel Ahrendt
May 10, 2013
My condolences are with the family. I had worked with Jim from about the time I joined the museum in 94. I could always see how he loved being with the people.
Karen Zych
May 10, 2013
It was such a pleasure to work with Jim. I will forever be thankful to have known him. He was a kind and gentle soul. Always a pleasure to see in the halls and to work with on a project. Jim will forever live in our hearts as he has touched each of us in some very special way. My thoughts and prayers to the family; may you find peace and comfort in knowing that Jim was well loved here at the FAA. He will truly be missed by all of us.
Robert Swan
May 10, 2013
It was a pleasure to know Jim over the years. We were able to work on many Jobs together. I remember Jim talking about 3 things the most, His love of trains, his love of his wife and her show dogs and his love of gardening. We all were lucky to receive the bounty of his hard work. I will truely miss you Jim.
May 9, 2013
Our condolences for the loss of Jim . Our Prayers are with your families. The Van Dykes & Bev & Bill Klaersch Galena ,il.
May 9, 2013
With my deepest sympathy. Laddie J. Vitek, Sr.
May 9, 2013
It was such a pleasure to work with Jim. I will forever be thankful to have known him. He was a kind and gentle soul. Always a pleasure to see in the halls and to work with on a project. Jim will forever live in our hearts as he has touched each of us in some very special way. My thoughts and prayers to the family; may you find peace and comfort in knowing that Jim was well loved here at the FAA. He will truly be missed by all of us.
Rosemary McMahon
May 9, 2013
Nauer Family,
It is with great sadness that I write you this note of condolence. It is always sad to hear of an old friends death. I remember being at his wedding, seems like not that long ago! The good news is that he is at peace and that you have many great memories. This is the time to share those memories. I will keep you all in my prayers.
Alex Schneider
May 8, 2013
Jim was a very dedicated volunteer at the Illinois Railway Museum, a railroader who knew the safe way and led others to follow it, and a patient, supportive teacher to new volunteers. I greatly appreciate his coaching and training and I thank his family for making his service possible.
My sympathy to you, his family, upon your loss.
Angie Bendl
May 8, 2013
Jim is resting now in peace and without pain. It was a pleasure working with Jim. My prayers go out to his family. Jim will live in your hearts forever.
Pat Schroder
May 8, 2013
Dear Cindy and Family, my condolences to you upon the loss of your husband and to the children upon the loss of their father.
Vickie Morris
May 8, 2013
I had the pleasure of working with Jim at the FAA. He was the kind of coworker that you could depend on. He provided excellent customer service with a smile. I will miss Jim. May his memories comfort you during this difficult time.
John Bender
May 8, 2013
Always there with kindness and encouragement for the volunteers and a great love and concern for the visitors.
Terrance Chatman
May 7, 2013
Geniune, Honest, Kind, Dedicated are just some of the words that describes Jim. Im grateful for the short time I got to spend with him. I am forever thankful to him because he's the reason I was able to relocate back to Chicago to be with my family to work on the FAA contract. May his incredible spirit and legacy continue to live through his family and loves one. And may the God of Peace comfort this family in there time of need.
Richard Witt
May 7, 2013
Jim was a tireless volunteer worker at the Illinois Railway Museum. I learned a lot from him in the operations department there.
He will be missed! My condolences to his family.
Keith Gabel
May 7, 2013
Jim was a wonderful man, full of knowledge and eager to share it. He always had his customers' interests at heart and was willing to go the extra mile to make sure someone was given nothing less than the best service.
Oswald Bunda
May 7, 2013
There are so many qualities that Jim had, they are too numerous to recount. His compassion, knidness and gentle being will be sadly missed by us in the FAA.
John Wesley
May 7, 2013
I had the pleasure of working with Jim on a major project a few years ago. His expertise, patience and professionalism ensured that the telecommuncative component of the project flowed smoothly. I'll miss seeing Jim sitting alone late in the afternoon eating his home-made lunch and reading his book. Great guy! I'll miss him!
Harold Krewer
May 7, 2013
"It was my good fortune to have Jim not only as a colleague in the Museum's Operating Department but as a good and loyal friend. As President, he continually sought to move the organization forward, and the Museum will continue to benefit from his leadership for years to come. His passing leaves both a professional and emotional void in the hearts of many of us."
Janet Kleszyk
May 6, 2013
It was a pleasure working with Jim for the past nine years. He was the kindest, smartest man in the FAA. He shared his knowledge freely. I hope he read his stack of books. If not, I know what he is doing in heaven. God bless you, Jim.
Janet Kleszyk
Tommy Walls
May 6, 2013
Jim was a great friend, team mate, and co-worker here in the FAA. Jim had such a love for trains. I remember the excitement in Jim's voice when we talked about trains. I also remember Jim's conversations about the love for his family and his love for animals and dogs. He was a very kind person who cared much about everyone. Our love, prayers, and thoughts are with Jim and his Family. I will miss him as a friend and co-worker.
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