Dennis Funeral Homes

JAMES W. AYERS, age 69 of rural Waterville died on Friday, February 22, 2008 at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis following surgery.

Born on February 14, 1939 in Mankato, Minnesota he was the son of Leo and Lucille (Johnson) Ayers.   Jim graduated from Waterville High School in 1957 and served with the MN National Guard.  He married Berness Raedeke on December 2, 1961.  Jim worked for Kayot Inc. in Mankato for 24 years and later MICO Inc. in Mankato for 16 years before retiring in 2001.

Jim was very involved in the community.  In the early 1970s, he was involved with the wrestling club.  He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Waterville where he held various offices.  He was also a life member of the Waterville Sportsman Club.  Jim enjoyed driving in Demolition Derbies.  He loved hunting and fishing, woodworking, and playing cards.  He also loved spending time with his grandchildren and watching various sporting events that they were involved in.

He is survived by his wife, Berness of Waterville; four sons, Jeff of Waterville and special friend Charity Thibodeau of Owatonna, Scott and Laurie of Elysian, Todd and special friend Patricia Yadon of Superior, WI; and Chris and Betty Jo of Waterville; and nine grandchildren, Brady, Colin, Reid, Logan, Lindsay, Justin, Casey, Ashley, and Jennifer.  He is also survived by his mother, Lucille Ayers of Faribault; two sisters, Rose Brandt of Owatonna and Sharon Voelker of Faribault; and several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his father, Leo Ayers and one brother, Leo Ayers Jr.

Visitation will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Waterville on Monday, February 25, 2008 from 3-7 PM and continue on Tuesday, one hour before services at the church.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, February 26, 2008 at 10:30 AM at Trinity Lutheran Church in Waterville with Rev. David Mumme officiating.  Burial will follow at St. Peter’s Lutheran Cemetery in LeSueur County.