1921
James
2015
James Phalen
March 11, 1921 — March 5, 2015
James George Phalen, age 93, of Graceville passed away on Thursday, March 5, 2015 at Grace Home in Graceville.
Memorial services will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2015, at 1:30 p.m. at the Grace Home.
James George Phalen was born on March 11, 1921, to John and Lola (Brown) Phalen. He graduated from Clinton High School with the class of 1937. He then furthered his education, attending the University of Minnesota in 1938. Following college, Jim returned to Graceville to run the family farm. In the years after, Jim was elected and served as Township Assessor for 11 year and County Commissioner, a position he held for a total of 24 years. He was proud to be one of the youngest ever to be elected to this position. Jim had many business ventures, some of which included seed, hay, and twine sales.
In 1958, Jim was united in marriage to Ethel Layman, also from Graceville. To this union three children were born. Jim enjoyed attending auction sales, spending time with his friends and family, and was especially proud of his accomplishment in being instrumental in the reconstruction of the Toqua Lake road and access to the park.
Left behind is his wife, Ethel of Graceville; children: James (April) Phalen of Stanley, ND; Thomas Phalen of Graceville; Nancy "Vicki" (Doug) Dulmage of Leeds, ND; grandchildren: Neil ( Jennifer) Phalen; Kristin (David) Tritz; Shannon Phalen (fiance Mike Bjorg); Steven Phalen; Josh Phalen; Madilyn "Madi" Dulmage; Elizabeth "Libby" Dulmage; five great-grandchildren: Parker Tritz; Gwen Phalen; Austin Tritz; Ellie Phalen; and Kolbee Bjorg.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Mary Jane.
The Lord has given, the Lord has taken away, blessed be the name of the Lord.
Memorial services will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2015, at 1:30 p.m. at the Grace Home.
James George Phalen was born on March 11, 1921, to John and Lola (Brown) Phalen. He graduated from Clinton High School with the class of 1937. He then furthered his education, attending the University of Minnesota in 1938. Following college, Jim returned to Graceville to run the family farm. In the years after, Jim was elected and served as Township Assessor for 11 year and County Commissioner, a position he held for a total of 24 years. He was proud to be one of the youngest ever to be elected to this position. Jim had many business ventures, some of which included seed, hay, and twine sales.
In 1958, Jim was united in marriage to Ethel Layman, also from Graceville. To this union three children were born. Jim enjoyed attending auction sales, spending time with his friends and family, and was especially proud of his accomplishment in being instrumental in the reconstruction of the Toqua Lake road and access to the park.
Left behind is his wife, Ethel of Graceville; children: James (April) Phalen of Stanley, ND; Thomas Phalen of Graceville; Nancy "Vicki" (Doug) Dulmage of Leeds, ND; grandchildren: Neil ( Jennifer) Phalen; Kristin (David) Tritz; Shannon Phalen (fiance Mike Bjorg); Steven Phalen; Josh Phalen; Madilyn "Madi" Dulmage; Elizabeth "Libby" Dulmage; five great-grandchildren: Parker Tritz; Gwen Phalen; Austin Tritz; Ellie Phalen; and Kolbee Bjorg.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Mary Jane.
The Lord has given, the Lord has taken away, blessed be the name of the Lord.
Service
Grace Home116 W 2 Street
Graceville, MN 56240
Saturday, March 14, 2015
1:30 PM