James Anthony Schmirler

James A. Schmirler, age 66 of Le Sueur, passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer on Thursday, November 3, 2011 at the Minnesota Valley Health Center in Le Sueur. Memorial Mass will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 8, 2011 at St. Anne's Catholic Church in Le Sueur. Fr. George Grafsky will officiate. Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 7, at the Kolden Funeral Home in Le Sueur, concluding the evening with a prayer service. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery in Le Sueur. Jim was born on August 18, 1945 to Joseph and Roselyn (VanDreel) Schmirler in Marshfield, Wisconsin. He grew up and graduated from High School in Edger, WI. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting. He was in the U.S. Army. He worked for Green Giant from 1979-1986. He married Paulette Becker on May 17, 1997 at the Le Sueur Country Club. He owned and operated Riverview Bottle Shop in St. Peter. He also worked at Expressway Ford for 3 years. Most recently he has owned and operated Liberty Tax Services in Mankato since 2003. He enjoyed golfing, bowling, woodworking and spending time with his grandchildren. Jim is survived by his wife, Paulette Becker-Schmirler; siblings, Dennis (Gloria) Schmirler of Madison, WI, Carol Schmirler of Hales Corner, WI, Bill Schmirler of Wisconsin Rapids, WI, Bob (Pat) Schmirler of Dade City, FL, Lynn (Jack) Biemon of Lake City, FL and Sandy Schmirler of Hales Corner, WI; brothers-in-law, Fred Oshwaldt of Nashota, WI and Jim Urbancic of Oconomawak, WI; step-children, Dan (Dena) Becker of LeCenter, MN, Roxanne (Peter) Traxler of Milaca, MN, Tim Becker of Le Sueur and Crystal Becker of Le Sueur; step-grandchildren, Desi, Kala, Avery, Harold, Amory and Hallie; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and aunt. He is preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Jan Oshwald and Jo Ellen Urbancic; and aunts, uncles and cousins.