James A. Vinar Sr.

James A. Vinar, Sr., age 95, died on Monday, June 23, 2008 at St. Lucas Care Center after a brief illness.Funeral services will be held at First English Lutheran Church, 204 Second Street NW, Faribault, on Thursday, June 26 at 10:30 a.m. with the Reverend Richard L. Jorgensen officiating. Interment will take place at Maple Lawn Cemetery, Faribault. Visitation will be at the Boldt Funeral Home, 300 Prairie Avenue SW, Faribault, on Wednesday, June 25 from 5 to 7 p.m. and also at the church for one hour prior to the service on Thursday.“Jim” (Grandpa Jimmy), the son of Joseph and Mary (Martinek) Vinar, was born on July 9, 1912, in Eagle Bend, MN. He was united in marriage to Elizabeth Sluka in Eagle Bend, MN January 1935. Elizabeth passed away during childbirth in October 1936. Jim married Olga Pederson in November of 1937 in Olivia, MN. In 1942, they moved their growing family to Brownton, MN. His career in automobile sales was interrupted during WWII, when he became a truck driver, hauling eggs to Chicago for servicemen and women. In 1950, he resumed his career in automobile sales. In 1961, moved to Minneapolis where he sold cars until moving to Faribault in June of 1986. Jim worked at KGP in Faribault, retiring once again after 20 years of service at age 95. Jim and Olga enjoyed visiting family, especially the grandchildren. He also enjoyed fishing and hunting, working, socializing and his Minnesota Twins! Olga passed away on March 13, 1997.Jim is survived by seven children; Duane Vinar (Alice) of Watkins, MN; Valoris Hallgren of Eagan, MN; James Vinar, Jr. (Julie) of Stillwater, MN; Kathleen Putrah (Dale) of Faribault, MN; Dennis Vinar of Minneapolis, MN; Sharon Latvala (Richard) of Eagan, MN; and Vance Vinar (Barbara) of Faribault, MN. An additional 110 descendants: 26 grandchildren, 69 great-grandchildren and 15 great-great grandchildren. He is also survived by one sister, Eleanor Ribar of Hutchinson and by one brother, Richard Vinar of St. Paul, MN, and other relatives.He is preceded in death by Elizabeth Sluka Vinar and Olga Pederson Vinar; his parents; six brothers, Joe, Leo, Elmer, Ed, Ray and Rex Vinar; two sisters, Mildred Bednar and Irma Meyers; and 7 nieces and nephews.Visit boldtfuneralhome.com for information and guest book.