James "Jim" Thomas Aufderhar

life story

Devoted husband, father, and grandfather

James T Aufderhar, 90, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Monday March 10, 2025, in his home at Ecumen Lakeview Commons, Maplewood, MN.

Jim was born on September 18, 1934 in Princeton MN to Clarence and Agatha (Grow) Aufderhar. He grew up with his 3 brothers (Gene, Bob, Gary) and 1 sister (Sue). Jim attended Princeton High School, graduating in 1954. On August 12, 1955, he married Katheryn DeJong. They made their home in Princeton, MN for the next 45 years raising a family of five boys. Upon graduation from high school, he was employed by Princeton Inland Lumber for 8 years before joining Hoffman Engineering (Anoka, MN) in 1962 holding positions as shear operator, semi-truck driver & safety officer over the next 34 years until his retirement in 1996. In 2000 they moved to Hugo where they lived until April of 2022.

Although family, especially grandchildren, were his top priority he enjoyed many other interests including his God given aptitude for designing building structures, participating in fishing openers, and going camping- which always included sitting around the campfire eating s'mores. He was a proud American having served in the Minnesota National Guard for almost 20 years. A favorite annual family tradition, which dates to him and Katheryn’s honeymoon, was visiting Duluth’s canal park and watching the big ships come in. Later in life after their move to Hugo some of his favorite activities included watching his favorite Old- Western shows, trips to the treasured “Cup and Cone,” and Marketfest for the music and fun food.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife: Katheryn (DeJong) Aufderhar; Grandson: Nathan Johnson; Parents: Clarence and Agatha (Grow) Aufderhar; Brother: Eugene Aufderhar. He will be lovingly remembered as a kind, gentle and giving man with a keen sense of humor by his siblings: Bob (Delphine) Aufderhar, Gary (Beverly) Aufderhar, Susan (Gary) Meyer; Children: Alan (Cindy Brewer), James (Diane), Jeff (Lori), Todd (Wendy), Kevin (Jackie); Grandchildren: Justin, Kyle, Nicole, Eric, Andy, Matthew, Katelynn, Amanda, John, Jessica, along with many other family members and dear friends whose lives he has touched over the years.

Visitation will be from 10:00 AM until the funeral service at 11:00 AM on Friday April 25 th , 2025, at the New Life Church Lutheran in Hugo MN. Lunch will follow the service. After lunch, family and friends are invited to the interment which will take place at the Oak Knoll cemetery in Princeton MN starting at 3:30 PM.

One of his favorite bible verses: John 3:16

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

memorial service

Funeral Service

April 25, 2025

New Life Church - Lutheran 6000 148th St N, Hugo, MN 55038, USA

Visitation will be from 10:00 AM until the funeral service at 11:00 AM on Friday April 25, 2025, at the New Life Church Lutheran in Hugo MN. Lunch will follow the service. After lunch, family and friends are invited to the interment which will take place at the Oak Knoll cemetery in Princeton MN starting at 3:30 PM.

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Crescent Tide Cremation Services