James H. Wempe

ROCHESTER -James Jim H. Wempe, 97, beloved father of Margaret Vogel and grandfather of Megan Vogel, died on Tuesday, December 27, 2011 at St. Marys Hospital in Rochester. Jim was born in Sabetha, KS on April 11, 1914 to John and Maude Wempe.He served 1 year in the Phillipines during WWII as an MP.He also was rifle range instructor and guard at several POW camps.Jim married Elizabeth on April 13, 1944.Together they had three children, Meg, Bill, and Jane.Jim worked for Hormel for 36 years and was a member of the AFL-CIO.He also belonged to the Austin American Legion Post 91 and St. Edward's Catholic Church in Austin.His joys were hunting and fishing with his great dog Brownie.Jim loved to tell stories and tease his friends, family, and caregivers. Jim is survived by his wife of 67 years, Elizabeth; a daughter Meg Vogel, of Rochester; a son, Bill, of California; a grandchild, Megan Vogel, of Rochester; and son-in-law, Rich Goggin Jim is preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Jane Goggin; two sisters, Mabel and Julia; and an infant brother. A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, December 30, 2011 at Madonna Towers,4001 19th Ave. NW with Fr. Joseph Fog...[more]

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officiating.Visitation will be an hour prior to the service at Madonna Towers.Interment will take place at Calvary Cemetery in Austin, MN. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to the Raptor Center, 1920 Fitch Ave. St. Paul, MN 55106, or the National Eagle Center in Wabasha or please visit someone in a nursing home. The family would like to thank the staff of Madonna Towers and St. Marys Hospital for their kindness and care. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes 5421 Royal Place NW,Rochester, MN. (507) 289-3600 www.ranfranzandvinefh.com