James Richard Lindeman

James “Jim” Richard Lindeman, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on January 15th at the age of 74. Jim was born on February 18, 1951 to George and Dorothy Lindeman. He grew up in Le Sueur, Minnesota, graduated from Le Sueur High School in 1969, and later attended Mankato State University.

Jim returned to his hometown where he met the love of his life, Cheryl Jean Kracke. The two were married on December 1, 1984, and together built a beautiful life as proud parents to three children, Jonathan, Kristina, and Ryan.

Jim enjoyed a successful 30-year career with The Schwan Food Company. Though his work took the family to many places, Marshall, MN always felt like home. In 2016, Jim and Cheryl retired to their dream home in Alexandria, MN, where they embraced the lake life they loved so dearly.

For 19 courageous years, Jim fought and overcame numerous battles with cancer, earning the admiration of his family and even his Mayo doctors, who referred to him as a “miracle.” His resilience gave us the gift of time—time for laughter, for memories, and for moments that will live forever in our hearts. His greatest joy was being “Papa” to his seven beloved grandchildren: Emily, Maddie, Noah, Andie, Afton, Camren, and Avery. Nothing brought a smile to his face like his grandkids.

Jim and family loved the Minnesota lake life and he worked hard to be able to provide the opportunity to enjoy summer weekends in Alexandria at the cabin. Many cherished memories were made boating, fishing, teaching kids to ski and wakeboard, and even occasionally jumping in the water himself to show us all how it’s done.

Jim is now reunited with his beloved Cheryl in everlasting peace. He is survived by children Kristina (Damian) Paczkowski, Ryan (Stacey) Lindeman and Jonathan Pudwill, seven beautiful grandchildren, four siblings Don, Betty, Bobby and Gloria and numerous nieces and nephews that he loved dearly. He was preceded in death by his wife Cheryl, his parents, Cheryl’s parents, sister-in-law Linda, niece Julie Braun, and nephew Gabe Lindeman.

Services for Jim will be held on Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at Thurston-DeShaw Funeral Home, 13817 Jay St. NW, Andover MN 55304 starting with a visitation from 10 AM - 11 AM with Memorial Service at 11 AM. 

Thurston-DeShaw Funeral Home - Andover, MN - 763-767-7373 - www.thurston-deshaw.com