James L. Walburg

James "Jim" Walburg, age 64, of Spirit Lake, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, April 10, 2010, at the Lakes Regional Hospital in Spirit Lake, Iowa. Funeral Services will be Wednesday, April 14, 2010, at 10:30 A.M. at the First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, Iowa. Rev. Clint Loveall and Rev. Matt Gearke officiating. Burial at 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, at the Ocheyedan Township Cemetery in Ocheyedan. Visitation will be Tuesday, April 13, from 3:00 to 8:00 P.M. with the family present from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. all at the First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake. James Lee Walburg, son of Thomas and Jennie (Post) Walburg, was born December 22, 1945, in Ocheyedan, Iowa. Jim received his education in Harris, Iowa, graduating in 1963. He was sent to the Vietnam War with the Army Reserves in May 1968 and served until June 1969. On December 19, 1969, Jim married the love of his life, Phyllis Van Gorp. Together they raised their four daughters on farms near May City, Iowa and Lake Park, Iowa; before moving to the town of Ocheyedan, Iowa in 1995 and later near Spirit Lake, Iowa in 2005. Jim served as a deacon in the council of the Christian Reformed Church in Ocheyedan and served on the school board of the Ocheyedan Christian School. He was a member of the American Legion Post 326 of Ocheyedan, Iowa. He played an active role as coach for grade school basketball and was score keeper or bus driver for high school basketball. Jim farmed up until he was diagnosed with brain cancer on September 12, 2007. His strong faith in God, courage, and love for family, gave him the strength to fight his cancer for 2 ½ years, before the Lord called him home on Saturday, April 10, 2010, at Lakes Regional Hospital in Spirit Lake, Iowa. Jim's passions include his love for farming and John Deere tractors, he enjoyed watching the Iowa Hawkeyes, Minnesota Vikings, and Minnesota Twins, playing cards with family and friends, and playing with his many grandchildren. Two of his milestones are his Surprise 2 Year Cancer Survivor celebration and celebrating his 40th Wedding Anniversary with his wife, Phyllis. Those left to cherish his memories are his wife of 40 years, Phyllis of Spirit Lake, IA; four daughters: Michelle (Rob) Kremer of Fulda, MN, Lynn (John) Jorgensen of Sioux Falls, SD, Kari (Adir) Morales of Sioux Falls, SD, Laurie (Brandon) Steinkuehler of Peterson, IA; eleven grandchildren: Derik, Tyler, and Kourtney Verdoorn, Makenna Kremer, Brianna and Joseph Negrete, Erick and Ian Jorgensen, Kayla Odell, and Christofer and Emily Morales; his mother-in-law: Joan Van Gorp of Sheldon, IA; four sisters: Atena Luikaart of Caledonia, MI, Delores (Bobby) Baker of Sibley, IA, Sharlene (Leon) Visser of Grand Rapids, MI, and Cheryl (John) Jackson of Waukee, IA; three brothers: Terry (Darla) Walburg of Hartley, IA, Loren (Kim) Walburg of Rockford, MI, and Duane (Jena) Walburg of Aurora, CO; three sisters-in-law: Joyce (Orv) Bruxvoort of Orange City, IA, Janice (Ben) Jans of Sioux Center, IA, and Karen (Garvin) Buyert of Rock Valley, IA; twelve nieces, thirteen nephews, and a host of special friends. Jim is preceded in death by his parents: Thomas and Jennie Walburg; his father-in-law: Phillip Van Gorp; and his brother-in-law: David Luikaart. In Loving Memory Of James Lee Walburg Born: December 22, 1945 Passed Away: April 10, 2010 Age: 64 years, 3 months and 19 days FUNERAL SERVICE Wednesday, April 14, 2010, at 10:30 A.M. First Presbyterian Church, Spirit Lake, Iowa Family Prayer Service at 10:15 A.M. OFFICIATING Rev. Clint Loveall and Rev. Matt Gearke MUSIC Organist: Eulyn Riemersma Processional: "When Peace Like A River" Quartet: Lee Riemersma, John Calsbeek, Kirk Huisenga, Ron Williams Songs: "Softly And Tenderly" "In Christ Alone" Recessional: "Amazing Grace" A Time of Remembrance CASKET BEARERS Willie Ahlers Harold Dykstra Brian Vande Hoef Troy Vande Hoef Eric Winger Darwin Winkowitsch Roger Earl Lee Riemersma Keith Michelson Stan Sybesma Pete Hegeman INTERMENT 2:00 P.M. Ocheyedan Township Cemetery, Ocheyedan, Iowa MILITARY HONORS American Legion Post # 326, Ocheyedan, Iowa Following the Funeral Service, the family invites all for fellowship and lunch at the church. ARRANGEMENTS BY Andringa Funeral Home Larry R. Andringa, Funeral Director