James Kenneth Negen, age 88 of Redwood Falls, passed away Sunday, January 20, 2019 at Seasons Hospice House in Redwood Falls. Memorial Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, January 26, 2019 at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Redwood Falls. Visitation will be 5:00-6:30 p.m. Friday, January 25 AT THE CHURCH. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at church on Saturday. Interment will be in the Redwood Falls Cemetery. Stephens Funeral Service – Redwood Valley Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
James Kenneth Negen was born November 2, 1930 to Harm and Bena (Aalderks) Negen in Renville, Minnesota. He attended school through eighth grade and then began farming with his dad. Jim enlisted in the US Army during the Korean Conflict from May 20, 1953-April 21, 1955. He served with the 10th Infantry out of Fort Riley, Kansas. On February 6, 1957, he married Margie Peters at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Clara City. The couple made their home in Renville where Jim worked at Varpness Implement. They moved to Redwood Falls in 1969, and Jim then worked for Anderson Implement as a service manager until his retirement in 1995. Following retirement, Jim worked part time as a security guard at Jackpot Junction for 14 years. He was a member of the American Legion and served on the honor guard until 2014, and was a member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. Jim and Margie enjoyed dancing in their younger years and playing cards with family. Jim always looked forward to family vacations a couple times every year, and loved family gatherings. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and spending time with his grandchildren.
Jim is survived by his children: Deb (Dan) Hildebrandt of Redwood Falls, and Bob (Diane) Negen of Alexandria; grandchildren: Jeremy (Renee) Hildebrandt, Amy Hildebrandt, Cory (Janelle) Negen, and Cassie (Matt) Lanoue; and great-grandchildren: Morgan, Jaylin, Seth, Blake, Alexis, Breck, Jordie, and Veya. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife Margie, brothers Duane & Robert, and sister Betty.
Deb, I would like to offer my sincere condolences to your family on the passing of your father. I only knew him briefly as I waited with your Mother while he went for dialysis, but I could tell that both of them were truly very special people and will be greatly missed. May God grant you all the comfort you need at this time. I will be thinking of you.