James R. Kiel, 37, Hibbing, died suddenly when a train struck his UPS van in Cook, Minn. He was born on April 4, 1970 to Wayne R. and Sandra Kiel in Robbinsdale, Minn. He had been a resident of Hibbing for the past 32 years, coming from Brooklyn Center, Minn. He was employed with UPS as a delivery truck driver. He was a member of the Hibbing Curling Club, and the Hibbing Municipal Golf Course. Jim enjoyed playing hockey, curling, hunting and fishing, playing pool, darts, and especially loved his golf. He is survived by his parents, Wayne R. and Sandra Kiel of Hibbing, his sister, Kim (Pat) Dolensek, Coleraine, Minn., his special friend, Penny Fena and her son Luke Fena, both of Hibbing, two nieces, Kiersten and Rachel Dolensek, both of Coleraine, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents, and two uncles, Terry Kroeplin, and Roger Kiel. MEMORIAL SERVICE:11:30 a.m., Monday, Jan. 28, 2008 at the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Hibbing. The Rev. Fr. Francis Kabiru will officiate. Visitation will be from 10:00am until the 11:30am funeral service at the church on Monday. A private family inurnment will take place in the Maple Hill Columbarium in Hibbing. Arrangements are with the Dougherty Funeral Home of Hibbing.
This obituary was originally published in the Duluth News Tribune.
