James Ronald Decknatel
James Ronald Decknatel, age 82, of Renville, died Sunday, November 17, 2024, at Vitality Living Center in Kimball. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at First Lutheran Church in Renville. The Rev. Dan Bowman will officiate. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery in Renville. Visitation for Jim will be Thursday from 9-10 a.m. at the church in Renville. In Lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Hospice of your choice. Arrangements are with Dirks-Blem Funeral Service, Renville, MN.
James (Jim) Ronald Decknatel was born on May 14th, 1942, in Montevideo, Mn to Luverne (Johnson) and A.G. (Ole) Decknatel. Jim was born prematurely and spent the first 6 months of his life in the hospital. This is where he was baptized into the Lutheran Faith. Jim attended Renville Public School and was a life-long member of First Lutheran Church of Renville. Jim started working at a young age to help support his mother and sister, he held a variety of jobs. He worked at the Bench Mink Ranch, Peterson Mink Ranch, the Rafter Plant, Renville County, and Knigge Roofing. In 1963, he started work at Elk River Concrete in Olivia and worked there for 43 years. During the winter when he was laid off, he drove beet truck. After his retirement he drove van for RCW for 14 years. He married his beloved wife, LouAnn (Speets) Decknatel on August 24th, 1963. They lived and raised their 3 children in Renville. Jim loved making people laugh with his jokes, playing cards, and people watching. He also enjoyed working on and riding his ATVs and Harley Davidson motorcycle. In the 60s, Jim owned a stock car and raced in Willmar and Redwood Falls. He enjoyed camping and was a regular attendee at the Clear Lake rodeo. He enjoyed all of these activities most when he was surrounded by his family.
He is survived by son Thomas and his wife Wendy of Renville, Steven and wife Patty of Kimball, and daughter Teri and husband Gary Seehusen of New London. His grandchildren, Ryan, Ashley, Noah, Katie, Austin, Amanda and Anessa; and his great-grandchildren Mia and Brexley.
Jim spent the last 2 years of his life at Vitality Living in Kimball. He passed on Sunday, November 17th with his family near. He joined his mother and father, his sister Karen and her husband Dave Schafer, wife LuAnn, and his beloved dog Buck, in heaven.
Blessed Be his Memory