James Obermiller

James H. "Jim" Obermiller, age 76 of Freeport, died peacefully surrounded by his family on Saturday, December 10, 2016 at his home in Freeport, Minnesota.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, December 17 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Freeport with Rev. Daniel Walz officiating. A private entombment will be in the parish cemetery at a later date.

Visitation will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the church in Freeport.

James Henry Obermiller was born March 9, 1940 in Albany Township, Stearns County, Minnesota to Arnold and Madeline (Groetsch) Obermiller. Jim graduated from Albany High School in 1958 and enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves. He was united in marriage to Irene Heidgerken on November 26, 1960 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Freeport. He worked at Champion Paper Company and retired after almost 40 years. Jim and Irene also owned and operated the Corner Store in Freeport for nearly ten years. After retirement, Jim enjoyed cutting grass at the Albany Golf Course.

He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Freeport, Knights of Columbus Father Pierz Council #3628 in Albany for over 50 years, former member of the Freeport Lions Club, and was a retired Fireman with the Albany Fire Department. Jim enjoyed all sports, especially the Minnesota Gophers and Twins, and the St. John's Johnnies. He loved fishing, playing cards, planting lots of flowers, and decorating the lawn for holidays.

Survivors include his wife, Irene Obermiller of Freeport; sons, Carl Obermiller of Crystal and Daniel Obermiller of Freeport; sister, Cathy Schmidt of St. Joseph; aunt, Mary Ann Groetsch of Albany; and many loving relatives and friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Arnold "Arnie" Obermiller in 2000 and Madeline Obermiller in 2002; brothers-in-law, Wayne Schmidt, George Heidgerken, James Heidgerken, and Charlie Heidgerken; sisters -in-law, Rita Heidgerken and Shirley Heidgerken; and Godchild, Steven Heidgerken.

Serving as urn bearer will be Daniel Obermiller. Cross bearer will be Denise Nierenhausen and scripture bearer will be June Scherping. Honorary bearers will be the Knights of Columbus and the Albany Fire Department. Gift bearers will be Jim's Godchildren, Amber, Todd, and David Heidgerken. Mass server will be Norb Overman and the lector will be Lisa Schmidt.