James Plehal

James "Jim" Bruce Plehal, Backus, passed away Sunday, April 21, 2013 at Whispering Pines Good Samaritan Center, Pine River. He was born July 21, 1940 to Alvin and Dorothy (Olson) Plehal in Minneapolis, MN. He was the third of five children.
Jim attended school in Hopkins, MN and graduated from Hopkins Eisenhower High School. He was a long time member of the United Methodist Church in Hopkins and later Bethlehem Lutheran Church, rural Backus. He also served several years as a member of the Hopkins Police Reserve. In 1961 he married his wife, Shirley and they had three children. Jim started his working career as a carpet layer and later worked for Federal Stamping, Wrico Tool and Clow Stamping, before building a new home on their property near Backus in 1977. There he worked for Durkee Mfg. and later at Eveland Inc. "Scamp Trailers" for many years until he became ill.
Jim is survived by his wife, Shirley; son, Steven Plehal (Kathy) of Harwood, N.D.; son-in-law, Kevin Holm (Kim) of Bemidji, MN; six grandchildren, Trina Holm, Trista Holm, Trish Jedlicka (Michael), Derek Plehal, Trevor Plehal and Shannah Plehal; seven great grandchildren, Hayden, Alex, Rory, Alana, Andreu, Adam and Aubrey; two brothers, Alvin Plehal Jr. of Minnetonka, MN, Douglas Plehal (Judie) of Savage, MN and many nieces and nephews.
Jim enjoyed family, friends, fishing and loved the country where he could watch the birds, deer and other wildlife.
He was preceded in death by his parents; daughters, Pamala Kay Plehal, Dawn Marie Holm; brother, Gerald Plehal and sister, Darieanne Schafer.

Services will be 11:00 AM on Friday, April 26, at Kline Funeral Home, Pine River. Visitation will be Thursday from 5 to 7 PM at Kline Funeral Home, Pine River, and one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will be in Bethlehem Cemetery, rural Backus. Arrangements are with Kline Funeral Home.