James P. Kohles
Yankton, S.D. — James P. Kohles, 67, Yankton, S.D., died Jan. 29, 2007, as a result of an automobile accident.
Visitation, with a rosary and scripture service, were Feb. 16 at the Kostel Funeral Home and Crematory, Yankton, and resumed one hour prior to the service at the church.
Mass of Christian was Feb. 17 at St. Benedict Catholic Church, Yankton.
Burial was at St. Rose of Lima Cemetery, Crofton, with military rites by the American Legion Post # 128 of Crofton.
Pallbearers were Jim’s six sons-in-law, Brian Pikula, Keith Loecker, Justin Bossman, Joe Simonsen, Elson Fischbach and Eric Schafer.
Honorary pallbearers were John Donner, John VanHeek, Dale VanHeek, Ed Kleinschmit, Ron Tramp, Jake VanHeek, Kevin Kohles, Guy Kohles, Dave Schmadeke, Charlie Maly, Art Foxhoven, Melvin Arens and Fred Arens.
 Jim was born July 11, 1939, to Albert and Pauline (Keiser) Kohles. He grew up on the family farm one and three quarters miles south of Crofton with his eight brothers and sisters. He graduated from Crofton High School in 1957. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from 1961-1965.
Jim married Loretta Block, Ashton, Iowa, Aug. 20, 1966, in Crofton. In 1967, they started their farming adventure on the family farm south of Crofton. Together they operated a diversified farming operation until 2001. At that time, Jim took an early retirement due to health conditions and they moved to Yankton. To keep busy, Jim started cross-stitching — and fell in love with it. He enjoyed doing his projects, many of which grace the walls of his home and his children’s homes.
Jim was a member of the American Legion Post No. 128, Crofton. He was also a member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church. He served on various boards such as the St. Rose Parish Council and the St. Rose School Board. For many, many years, he served the parish by marking out graves and keeping the cemetery records updated. After the move to Yankton, Jim became a member of St. Benedict Catholic Church. He began volunteering at Sister James Care Center as a Eucharistic Minister in 2005.
Jim is survived by his wife of 40 years, Loretta; his son and wife, Duane and Carrie, Grand Island; his six daughters and spouses, Sheila and Brian Pikula, Omaha; Michelle and Keith Loecker, Hartington; Karla and Justin Bossman, Crofton; Coreen and Joe Simonsen, Yankton, S.D.; Deanna and Elson Fischbach, Canton, S.D.; and Renee and Eric Schafer, Lincoln; 17 grandchildren, with two more expected this spring and summer; four brothers and spouses, Derald and Reba, Lincoln; Richard and Jackie, Lincoln; Robert and Sue, Palmyra; and David and Patrice, Stanwood, Wash.; three sisters and spouses, MaryAnn and Jim Wortmann, Crofton; Janice and Allan Mueller, Menominee; and Rosemary Langdon, Spokane, Wash.; and many nieces and nephews.
Jim was preceded in death by infant twin sons, Matthew and Raymond; one granddaughter; his parents; step mother, Hilda; and one brother, Roger.