June 21, 1943 – October 7, 2023

James Willard Post, 80, of Lake Wilson, Minn., passed away at home surrounded by his family on October 7, 2023. 

A memorial service was held Friday, October 13, 2023, 10:30 a.m., at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Balaton, Minnesota, with Pastor Eugene Andrus officiating. Interment was in St. Peter’s Lutheran Cemetery, Balaton.

The congregation sang In Christ Alone, There is a Redeemer, and On Eagle’s Wings. Pallbearer were Rich Borresen, Pat Heard, Curt Heard, Les Johnson, Gene Van Heuvelen, and Walt Warren.  Honorary pallbearers were Tom Brandt, Clair Drake, Jeff Gunnink, Heidi Sorensen, Dennis Spartz, Travis Spartz, Duane Spartz, Rod Spartz, Paul Van Drunen, Hank Van Ruler, Marion Van Ruler,  Tom Wiedman, Larry Wiederich, and Lowell Wichmann.

James (Jim) was the last of 10 born at home to James and Jennie (Schelhaas) Post of rural Chandler, Minn. He was a surprise to his unknowing siblings on June 21, 1943. Jim graduated from Chandler Christian School adding one year at Edgerton Christian. In youth he enjoyed roller skating and horseback riding. 

At 18 years old, he entered the Army National Guard, serving his country for 6 years while still being able to help his father farm and milk cows. He remained very patriotic throughout his years and dairy farming remained his happy vocation for life. He met his wife-to-be when he came out of the smelly hog house one day when Susan Zimbal, a Christian Grade School teacher in Balaton, happened to stop by. She was not impressed, but since he “cleaned up well” she decided to marry him at her home church in Scottsdale, Ariz., on August 12, 1972. He then began 51 years of educating her in farming, country life, and appreciation of a quality dairy cow.

He served on the local and regional ADA Boards, DHIA, and Red and White Holstein Association. His church and faith were important to him, and he served many years on the church council of the WELS Lutheran churches, holding offices of president and treasurer.

Jim enjoyed his neighbors and was always willing to help when needed. He enjoyed old tractors, country drives, checking out the crops, admiring old barns, working with horses, trail rides, and giving grandkids buggy rides. He loved his family and was proud of each of them. He found great joy in his grandchildren. Another favorite activity was conversing with friends along with a good cup of coffee.

Jim will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Susan, of 51 years; his four children and ten grandchildren-blessings: Rachael (Roberto) Cardoso, Conroe, Texas, and their daughter: Bianca; Grant (April) Post, Lake Wilson, and their children: Amber, Cody, Seth, and Logan; Jesse (Melissa) Post, Woodstock, Minn., and their children: Taylor, Jackson, Shiloh, and Aliyah; Matthew (Erin) Post, Woodstock, and their children: Kya and Nash.

One sister, Cathy (Lou) Kuhl, Worthington, Minn.; sister-in-law, Arlene Post, Chandler, Minn.; brother-in-law, Ed Lubben, Leota, Minn.; and many treasured nieces, nephews, and friends.

He is happily reunited in death with his parents, eight siblings; Bernice Manderscheid, Nelson Post, Ada Dekoekkoek, Walt Post, Geneva Toering, Frank Post, Evelyn Lubben, and Edith Walhof; one very special daughter, Michelle Leigh, and a precious grandson, Colton Jay Post, son of Matthew and Erin.