James Feuerstein, 81, Waseca
James Feuerstein passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at his cabin on Reed’s Lake in Waterville.
James was born in Watertown, S.D., on June 19, 1942. He was number 10 of 14 children born to parents Sylvester and Sylvia (Eichman) Feuerstein. He graduated from high school in Watertown, in June of 1960.
He served in the United States Navy Hospital Corps, where he was a first assist in surgery. He was honorably discharged in 1963.
Following his discharge, he worked at hospitals in Washington, D.C. and Yankton, S.D., where he attended Yankton College.
James was united in marriage to Patty Hansen at Bethany Lutheran Church in Minneapolis on Aug. 19, 1967. Together the couple raised three children: Gregg, Karen, and Beth. James continued his studies at Presentation College for Nursing and Sacred Heart Hospital School of Anesthesia, earning a degree as a Nurse Anesthetist in 1971. His career took him from South Dakota, to North Dakota, Montana, and Minnesota. He worked at the hospital in Thief River Falls, MN, for many years and finally at Owatonna Anesthesia Services in Owatonna, from 1985 until his retirement in 2004. He loved working in the field of anesthesia and caring for his patients.
James and Patty had a hobby farm in Thief River Falls. They also had a lake home on Reeds Lake in Waterville, since 1990. It was there, he loved fishing and being on the pontoon with friends and family. While wintering in Arizona, he enjoyed ATVing in the mountains, trap shooting clay pigeons, and having breakfast with “the boys.” He and Patty enjoyed entertaining and spent many hours with friends and family at their Arizona home.
His love of family was evident in the many visits with his siblings and the cherished time he spent with his children and grandchildren. A big part of his life was attending his grandchildren’s activities. He was a member of the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, and he attended St. John Lutheran Church.
James is survived by his loving wife, Patty, of 56 years; his children Gregg Feuerstein (Jennifer Anderson), Karen (Mike) Klein, and Beth (Gary) Ackley; grandsons Keanu, Levi, Ryker, and Blake; siblings Sharon Coyle, Wesley (Gayle) Feuerstein, Vincent Feuerstein, and Judy Opsal.
He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers Robert, Lew, Melvin, and Richard; and five sisters Rosie Duke, Kay Ommen, Blanch Spurrel, Arlene Madsen and Ruth Feuerstein.
Friends may greet the family Thursday, June 6, from 4-7 p.m. at Brick Meger Funeral Home, 1603 Austin Road, Owatonna and one hour prior to the funeral service at the church. Funeral service will be Friday, June 7, 2024, at St. John Lutheran Church,1301 Lincoln Ave. S., Owatonna) at 11 a.m. Interment will be at Forest Hill Cemetery, Owatonna.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Reed’s Lake Association, P.O. Box 177, Elysian, MN 56028. For more information or to leave an online message of condolence, go to www.megercares.com.