James Lechtenberg

James Nicholas Lechtenberg, 84, Postville, Iowa, died Monday, April 24, 2017, at Winneshiek Medical Center, Decorah, Iowa. Jim was born on July 18, 1932, on the family farm near Festina, Iowa, to Joseph and Caroline (Schissel) Lechtenberg. He graduated from De Sales High School in Ossian, Iowa, with the class of 1950.

Jim was united in marriage to Edna Hackman on May 17, 1954, at St. Luke Catholic Church in St. Lucas, Iowa. Six children were born to this union. Jim and Edna raised their family on their family farm near Postville, Iowa. Jim was a hard working farmer who also was a Pioneer Seed Corn Rep. for over twenty years.

Jim was active in St. Bridget Catholic Church where he served on the Parish Council and was an usher. He also served on the Luana Coop Board for several years. Jim enjoyed playing cards, dancing in his younger years, bowling, was an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan and attending the grandchildren’s school activities. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Survivors include his wife, Edna Lechtenberg, Postville; five children, Ron (Jackie) Lechtenberg, Postville, Gary (Therese) Lechtenberg, Postville, Diane Lechtenberg, Marion, Lisa (Nick) Radloff, Blair, NE, Nancy Hockaday (fiancé, Rob Kaspar), Cedar Rapids; daughter-in-law, Jane (Craig) Rood, Elgin; seventeen grandchildren, Jason (Cindy) Lechtenberg, Kiley (Nick) Stineman, Dana (Jeramey) Burns, Shauna (Matt) Lange, Leah (Dillon) Imoehl, Joshua Lechtenberg, Jennifer (Joey) Micallef, Nick (Carlyn) Lechtenberg, Scott Lechtenberg (Tasha Tamling), Eric (Heather) Lechtenberg, Jackson Radloff, Brandt Radloff, Marissa Lechtenberg, Tyler Hockaday, Trey Hockaday, Aiden Kaspar, J.P. Ampey; nineteen great-grandchildren; three sisters and two brothers-in-law, Kay Canaday, Joyce (Clark) Gerleman, Mary Lou (Joe) Jenks; three sisters-in-law, Mary Lechtenberg, Jeanne Lechtenberg and Bernice Hackman and several nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his father and mother, Joseph and Caroline Lechtenberg; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Will and Clara Hackman; one son, Joseph Lechtenberg; son-in-law, Kurt Hockaday; two brothers, Mark and Duane Lechtenberg and two brothers-in-law, Bill Canaday and Alvin Hackman.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 27, 2017, from 4-7 pm at the Schutte – Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Postville, Iowa. Visitation will also be held from 9:30 am until mass time at the church on Friday.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, April 28, 2017, at 11:00 am at St. Bridget Catholic Church, Postville, Iowa. The Rev. Nils de Jesus Hernandez will be the celebrant.

Burial will follow in the Postville Cemetery, Postville, Iowa.

Condolences may be left with: www.graufuneralhomes.com.