James Joseph Minnerath

The family requests in lieu of flowers or memorials that a tax-deductible donation in memory of Jim Minnerath be given to Ronald McDonald House at Children’s Hospital, 2525 Chicago Avenue South, Mail Stop 32-3043, Minneapolis, MN 55404. OBITUARY James Joseph Minnerath was born on March 3, 1965 in St. Cloud, MN, the son of Alfred and Rose Mary (Huschle) Minnerath. He grew up in Cold Spring, MN where he was baptized and confirmed at St. Boniface Catholic Church. James graduated from Rocori High School in 1984. James met Debra Olson, his beloved wife, in St. Cloud. They were united in marriage at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Staples, MN on April 27, 1990. Together they were blessed with three children: Ryan, Scott, and Rachel. At the beginning of their marriage they resided in Staples before moving to Alexandria, MN. Jim owned Central Specialties, Inc. with his brothers for the past 25 years. He worked hard to build the business, support his employees, and provide for his family. Some of Jim’s greatest pleasures in life were spending time with his family and being in the outdoors. He spent his free time at his hunting land near Parkers Prairie, hunting, fishing, and sharing his passion for the outdoors with his children, grandchildren, and extended family. Jim belonged to the Quality Deer Management Association, and he enjoyed improving his property and managing the deer on his land. Jim was a well-loved and respected man. He was adored by his family and appreciated by his employees. He has been described as hardworking, an excellent mentor, a leader, trustworthy, genuine, and positive. Many have commented that he was a man who led by example in all walks of life and that their own lives were better for having known him. James J. Minnerath died on Wednesday, March 4, 2015 at 50 years of age. He is survived by his wife Debra Minnerath of Alexandria; children Ryan (Amanda) Minnerath of Alexandria, Scott Minnerath of Sauk Rapids, and Rachel Minnerath of St. Cloud; grandchildren Ellie Wallgren-Goodman of Alexandria and Hayden Minnerath of Alexandria; parents Alfred (Toby) Minnerath of Starbuck; brothers Kevin (Barb) Minnerath of Alexandria, Steve (Kirsten) Minnerath of Alexandria, Michael (Elena) Minnerath of Cabool, MO, Joe (Dee) Minnerath of Alexandria, Brian (Jody) Minnerath of Alexandria, John Minnerath of Alexandria and Allan (Jean) Minnerath of Alexandria; sisters Marcie (Mark) O’Neill of St. Michael, Jeanne (Paul Brietzke) Minnerath of Winona, and Amy (Eric) Minnerath-Peterson of Albertville; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his mother Rose Mary Minnerath, sister Michelle Minnerath, and his mother-in-law Daneen Olson. A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2015 at 10:30AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Alexandria. Visitation will be held on Friday, March 20, 2015 from 4-8PM with 4 PM Parish Prayers at the Anderson Funeral Home and also for one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. Interment will be in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. Casket Bearers are his good friend Jim Dingman, and his nephews Brian Henkel, Jeff Kemp, Chad Minnerath, Grant Minnerath, Matthew Minnerath, Logan Olson, and Daniel O’Neill. The family requests in lieu of flowers or memorials that a tax-deductible donation in memory of Jim Minnerath be given to Ronald McDonald House at Children’s Hospital, 2525 Chicago Avenue South, Mail Stop 32-3043, Minneapolis, MN 55404.

James Joseph Minnerath

March 3, 1965 - March 4, 2015