James "Rook" Preiner

Memorial Mass for James “Rook” Preiner, 73, of Eveleth, will be 10am Monday, August 12, 2024, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Gilbert with Fr. Brandon Moravitz as celebrant. Friends may gather one hour prior to the mass at church. Burial will be in the Gilbert Cemetery. Arrangements by Ziemer-Moeglein-Shatava Funeral Home in Gilbert.

Jim died Monday, August 5, 2024, at Essentia Health – St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth, Minnesota.

 He was born January 11, 1951, in Virginia, Minnesota to James and Frances (Kern) Preiner. Jim was a 1969 graduate of Gilbert High School and later earned his degree in education at St. Cloud State University.

 He began working at Eveleth Taconite on January 5, 1977 as a laborer and retired from United Taconite as a general miner on February 18, 2014. On May 6, 1989, he married Connie Plesha at St. John’s Catholic Church in Biwabik.

 Jim lived for his granddaughters and his grand-dog. Time spent with the girls was cherished; as were the daily walks with Schmidt. Jim was an avid sports fan – especially the Green Bay Packers! He personally enjoyed golfing, hunting, fishing, solving crossword puzzles, and time at the lake. Jim served as President of the Gilbert Curling Club, where he curled for many years.

 Survivors include his wife, Connie; son, Nick (Megan) Preiner; daughter, Megan Preiner; granddaughters: Addison and Elizabeth; brother, Kim Preiner; grand-dog, Schmidt; father and mother-in-law, John and Joan Plesha; sister in-law, Carrie (Bunker) Hill; brother-in-law, Tom (Missy) Plesha; several nieces and nephews and Linda Preiner, Jesse Preiner (Sammantha) and Special Cousin Penny.

 He is preceded in death by his parents, James and Fran and a sister-in-law, Barb Preiner.