James Fugleberg

James (Jim) Fugleberg joined our father in heaven Tuesday, March 18th, 2025. He was born February 5th, 1937, in Roseau, MN. Jim graduated from St. Charles High School in 1955. He was very active in sports including football, basketball and baseball. We were told he was quite a star.

He was married to Rita (Ryan) Hengel in 1958 for 12 years before they divorced. They had 2 daughters: Lori Nuttall and Lisa Miller. Jim was so happy spending time with them. He was always willing to listen, provide advice and made you feel you were the only person in the room.

Jim was a veteran. He served in the Army Reserve for 8 years (1954-1962). He worked as a computer programmer for IBM for 33 years. This is where he met Lyla Bakken. They were married January 1981 until her death in February 2017. Jim was fortunate to be able to retire at 53 years old. He and Lyla had wonderful times boating and golfing at their cabin in Shell Lake, WI in the summer and Tucson, AZ in the winter. After Lyla passed, he moved back to Rochester.

Jim had many friends who he loved to banter with. Their get togethers looked like a scene from "Grumpy Old Men." Jim was a kind caring soul with a beautiful gift of gab and a wonderful sense of humor. We will so deeply miss spending time with him.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife Lyla, parents Helmer and Hazel Fugleberg. His 7 sisters: Lorraine, Eileen, Ruby, Ina, Audrey, Lila and Yvonne. Grandson-Aiden Jacobson. He is survived by his brother Duane (Joanne) Fugleberg, his daughters: Lori (Greg) Nuttall, Lisa (Todd) Miller; stepchildren: Brad (Rita) Bakken, Brian (Peggy) Bakken and Kristi (Jake) Jacobson, 10 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. Also, a very special friend, Elli Hess, who made him so happy!

We would like to express gratitude for the extreme dedication and care provided by Nancy Johnson for the past few months of his life. A special thank you to Season's Hospice for their support and kindness.

We feel so blessed to have had such a remarkable man in our lives. How lucky we are to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard. You will live on forever in our hearts!

There will be a graveside service this spring/summer; dates and times will be posted here once decided.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Fugleberg Family.