James "Jim" Robert Wassenaar

James "Jim" Robert Wassenaar, age 79, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 15, at CentraCare Rice Memorial Hospital in Willmar after many health struggles.

Funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 20, at the First Christian Reformed Church in Prinsburg.  Military honors will be provided by the Willmar American Legion Post #167.  Interment services will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 20, at the Memorial Garden Cemetery in Worthington.  Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19, and will also continue for one hour prior to the service, both at the First Christian Reformed Church in Prinsburg.  In Lieu of flowers please donate in his honor to Central Minnesota Christian School in Prinsburg or the First Christian Reformed (Church Missions) in Prinsburg.  Arrangements are with Tri-County Funeral Home.  www.tricountyfuneral.com

Jim was born on January 16, 1947, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Doris Underwood. He was lovingly adopted by Theodore and Gertrude (Steensma) Wassenaar when he was 4 months old. He grew up with strong values of faith, hard work, and family that would guide him throughout his life.

Jim Graduated from Western Christian School in Hull, Iowa in 1965. After graduating, Jim attended Universal Trades School in Omaha, Nebraska, where he studied auto mechanics. During that time, he met the love of his life, Pearl. In November of 1966, Jim was drafted into the United States Army. Following basic training, wheel school, and track school, he was stationed in Germany. Jim and Pearl were married on October 14, 1967, and Pearl joined him overseas. During their time in Germany, they welcomed their oldest son, Bob. Jim was honorably discharged in November of 1968.

After returning to Worthington, Jim worked for John Deere for several years. During this time, Kevin and Ron were born, completing their family of three boys. Jim later moved his family to Sibley, Iowa, where he farmed before eventually returning to Worthington. After moving back to Worthington, Jim proudly served four years in the National Guard. Farming alongside his dad, Ted, became one of the greatest joys of his life, and he spent 17 years working the family farm.

In 1990, Jim began driving school bus in Worthington, a job he truly loved for more than two decades. He enjoyed greeting the children every morning and took pride in safely getting them to and from school. His love for buses eventually turned into an impressive toy school bus collection that brought him much happiness.

Jim was a devoted member of the Worthington Christian Reformed Church, where he faithfully served his church community for many years. He was a cadet counselor for 20 years, served as both deacon and elder, and also spent time on the Worthington Christian School Board. In 2018, when they moved to Prinsburg, he joined the Prinsburg First CRC and was a member until his passing.

Jim loved singing and enjoyed playing softball throughout the years. He and Pearl also enjoyed traveling together and especially loved returning to Germany and vacationing in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. They treasured time spent with family, whether traveling, gathering for reunions, or simply being together. Above all else, Jim loved his family deeply and was proud of the life they built together.

Jim will be remembered for his kind heart, steady work ethic, warm smile, and unwavering devotion to his family and faith.

He is survived by his loving wife, Pearl, of 58 and a half years; three sons, Bob (and Barb), Kevin (and Jennifer), and Ron (and Amanda); four grandchildren Eagan, Elizabeth, Elias, and Theodore Wassenaar; one sister, Arleen Fletcher; brothers- and sisters-in-law Earl and Sally Wichert, Lavern and Alice Wichert, Gaylen and Nancy Wichert, Bonnie Wichert, Faye Wichert, Shirley Wichert, and Merlin and Dorothy Nightingale; along with many beloved nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his father- and mother-in-law, Marion and Anna (Wedel) Wichert; brothers-in-law Gary Wichert and Larry Fletcher; and a nephew, Christopher Wichert.

“We have truly been blessed.” — Jim

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