James H. Sturgis

A Memorial Service for James Harold Sturgis, 63, of Palo, will be 10am Monday, April 14, 2014 at St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Palo with Pastor Brendan Johnston officiating.  Friends may gather one hour prior to the service at the church.  Inurnment will be in the Rauha Cemetery in White Township, MN.  Arrangements by Ziemer-Moeglein-Shatava Funeral Home in Aurora.   James died Wednesday, April 9, 2014 at Northern Pines Medical Center in Aurora following a courageous battle with cancer.   He was born January 1, 1951 in Rochester, MN to Harold and Inez (Larsen) Sturgis.  Jim attended school in Biwabik and Virginia.  He later married Rustlyn "Rusty" Martin on May 10, 1969 in Virginia.   Jim worked at LTV Steel and retired from there as a millwright with 32 years of service.  He also co-owned and operated JS & R Small Engine Repair.   Jim was a member of St. Mark's Lutheran Church and a life member of the National Rifle Association.  He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time in the Boundary Waters.   Survivors include his wife, Rusty; children: Renae (Scott) Larson of North Branch, Holley (Steve) Sturgis-Drueen of Hoyt Lakes, Joel (Jennifer) Sturgis of Eveleth and Angela (Mike) Papin of Virginia; grandchildren: Anton, Zofia, Matthew, Frankie and Alexandria.   He is preceded in death by his parents, a brother in infancy and sisters, Marcy and Shirley.