Obituary of James Martin Lunde

James “Jim” Martin Lunde, age 71 of Lindstrom, Minnesota, died peacefully on April 21, 2021 surrounded by family at Divine Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Jim Lunde was born May 26, 1949 at the old hospital in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin to Willard Woodrow Lunde and Maryann Elaine (Tuvey) Lunde.

Jim graduated from St. Croix Falls High School in 1967 and remained close with his high school friend, Bill M. Jim started a band in high school called The Lovin’ Kind. He loved rock music, fast cars, and was a general troublemaker. After high school, Jim attended Dunwoody Institute where he graduated as an electrician. Later, he took engineering classes at the University of Minnesota. A diehard risk taker, in 1972, Jim started his ice auger manufacturing company in Osceola. With Donna at his side as business partner and wife, Jim expanded into small engines, horse trailer lifts, and even security glass manufacturing. During the time that Jim and Donna had their business and home in St. Croix Falls, Jim also served as a member of the City Council.

Jim loved the Packers, politics, and gearboxes and was always willing to share these passions with anyone who would listen. An outgoing charmer with a self-styled collection of jokes, Jim talked to everyone and loved to make people laugh. Jim was a faithful friend to Bill W. for 39 years and also helped many fellow travelers on their journeys. He made lifelong friends such as Mike, Jerry, and Jack who supported him through good and bad.

In 1970, Jim married his first wife, Loretta (Irv) Stolp and they shared the joy and love of two beautiful daughters, Nichole and Melissa. In 1983 he married Donna Carte and added four bonus daughters to his family, Nicole, Cynthia, Janette, and Dena. Jim lived a full and happy life, but he most enjoyed spending time with his family and especially the grandchildren. Grandpa Jim was a babysitter, taxi driver, driver’s ed teacher, and confidant to his grandchildren who could always talk him into a stop at the Dairy Queen. He had nicknames for many of the grandkids; including, The Boy, The Groschen Tornadoes, AhhhVa, Burr Head, Anna Banana and The F5 Tornadoes.

Jim is survived by his wife, 6 daughters and 13 grandchildren: Donna Lunde; Nichole Lunde, Ava, Maia, and Ethan; Melissa Johnson, Zachary and Anna; Nicole Groschen (Zach Simon), William “Alec” and Nathaniel, Cynthia Doolittle (Larry Corrigan), Violet, Riley, Christopher, and Garrett, Janette (Joseph) Hammel, Dena (Dave) Johnson, Weston and Lyla; his sister, brother-in-law, and nephews, Mary and Doug Anderson, Todd and Jeff and families. He also leaves behind many special friends. Jim is preceded in death by his parents, special son-in-law Chad Groschen, and several beloved aunts and uncles.

A Celebration of Life will be held on May 1, 2021 at Lion’s Club Park in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, with a service 11:30 am. Condolences may be sent to Donna Lunde at 12062 Lake Lane, Lindstrom, Minnesota, 55045.