The Daily News

James L. Stelton, 65, Wahpeton, N.D., died Saturday, May 16, 2009, at his residence.

Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, May 23 at St. John’s Catholic Church, Wahpeton. A gathering of family and friends will be held from 9:30 a.m. until time of service on Saturday at the church. James has chosen to donate his body to the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, where his body will be used for human anatomy instructions. James had a lot of health issues, and hoped that what could be learned by the study of his body, could help other live longer and healthier lives.

Military Honors will be conducted by the Hafner-Miller-Ross American Legion Post No. 20 and the Woody Keeble VFW Post No. 4324, Wahpeton. He will later be buried at Calvary Cemetery, Wahpeton.

James L. Stelton, 65 Advertisement

James Leroy Stelton was born on March 7, 1944, at Rosholt, S.D. to Roy and Lois (Mayou) Stelton. He attended St. John’s Catholic School, Wahpeton through the eighth grade and then attended Wahpeton High School later getting his GED. He entered the US Army in October 1961. He spent his enlisted time in Wildflecken, Germany, as an Atomic Demo Specialist and was honorably discharged in May 1965. That same year he met Kathleen May of Wahpeton and they married on Dec. 27, 1965. One daughter, Shirley was born to this union. The family then moved to the Fargo/Moorhead area where Jim worked as a welder for many years. The couple later moved to Kindred, N.D. where they made their home for over 30 years. His favorite pastime was singing karaoke around the area.

Jim was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church and the Hafner-Miller-Ross American Legion Post No. 20.

He is survived by his former wife, Kathleen, Kindred; his daughter, Shirley (Troy) Williams, Arthur, N.D.; granddaughter, Hannah and grandson, Garrett, both of Arthur; his mother, Lois Stach, rural Breckenridge, Minn.; 2 sisters, Catherine (Daryl) Wilkens, Grand Forks, N.D., Judith (Jerry) Raftevold, Little Falls, Minn.; two brothers, Dr. Dennis (Angel) Stelton, Allen, Texas, Steven Stelton, Bismarck.; step-brother, Randy (Michelle) Stach, Breckenridge; step-sister, Connie Stach (Rod Berhow), Breckenridge; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins, and his special canine companion, Bear.

James was preceded in death by his father, Roy, Oct. 20, 1984; step-father, Vincent Stach; grandparents, Eddie and Nellie Mayou; and John and Julia Stelton.

Arrangements are entrusted to the care of the Vertin-Munson Funeral Home, Wahpeton. Visit/sign our online guestbook at www.vertinmunson.com

Comments

Dale Robert Cariveau wrote on Aug 22, 2009 7:13 PM:

" I had not seen Jim for years, so it was through a relative and this article above that brought me here and back to memories of him and the family in Wahpeton. My condolances to all concerned! Living in Norway the past 38 years, keeps our contact limited.
May the Blessings Be with All of You.
Dale "




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Janice Talbot Orvik wrote on May 22, 2009 9:06 AM:

" Kathy and Shirley, I am so sorry to read of Jim's passing. I know his health issues took it's toll. I remember all the fun times we had many, many years ago! The kids were little and we played a lot of cards together. It's hard to believe that was almost 40 years ago!! Now Jim and Curtis can play those cards together in a better place. Again, my sympathy to you. Jan. "




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