James Willard Post

James (Jim) Willard Post passed away peacefully at his home on October 7, 2023. A Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 12, 2023 from 5:00-8:00PM at the Chandler Christian Reformed Church in Chandler, MN. A memorial service will be held on Friday, October 13, 2023 at 10:30AM at St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Balaton, MN with burial service to follow at St. Peter's Lutheran Cemetery. 

James Willard Post of Lake Wilson, MN passed away at home surrounded by his family on October 7, 2023. James (Jim) was the last of 10 born at home to James and Jennie (Schelhaas) Post of rural Chandler, MN. He was a surprise to his unknowing siblings on June 21, 1943. Jim graduated from Chandler Christian School adding one year at Edgerton Christian. In youth he enjoyed roller skating and horseback riding.

At 18 years old, he entered the Army National Guard, serving his country for 6 years while still being able to help his father farm and milk cows. He remained very patriotic throughout his years and dairy farming remained his happy vocation for life. He met his wife-to-be when he came out of the smelly hog house one day when Susan Zimbal, a Christian Grade School teacher in Balaton, happened to stop by. She was not impressed, but since he “cleaned up well” she decided to marry him at her home church in Scottsdale, AZ on August 12, 1972. He then began 51 years of educating her in farming, country life and appreciation of a quality dairy cow.

He served on the local and regional ADA Boards, DHIA, and Red & White Holstein Association. His church and faith were important to him, and he served many years on the church council of the WELS Lutheran churches, holding offices of President and Treasurer.

Jim enjoyed his neighbors and was always willing to help when needed. He enjoyed old tractors, country drives, checking out the crops, admiring old barns, working with horses, trail rides and giving grandkids buggy rides. He loved his family and was proud of each of them. He found great joy in his grandchildren. Another favorite activity was conversing with friends along with a good cup of coffee.

Jim will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Susan, of 51 years; his four children and ten grandchildren blessings: Rachael (Roberto) Cardoso, Conroe, TX and their daughter: Bianca; Grant (April) Post, Lake Wilson, MN and their children: Amber, Cody, Seth and Logan; Jesse (Melissa) Post, Woodstock, MN and their children: Taylor, Jackson, Shiloh and Aliyah; Matthew (Erin) Post, Woodstock, MN and their children: Kya and Nash;  one sister, Cathy (Lou) Kuhl, Worthington, MN; sister-in-law, Arlene Post, Chandler, MN; brother-in-law, Ed Lubben, Leota, MN; and many treasured nieces, nephews, and friends.

He is happily reunited in death with his parents, eight siblings; Bernice Manderscheid, Nelson Post, Ada Dekoekkoek, Walt Post, Geneva Toering, Evelyn Lubben, Frank Post and Edith Walhof; one very special daughter, Michelle Leigh, and a precious grandson, Colton Jay Post, son of Matthew & Erin.

Memorials will be given to the WELS Christian Aid & Relief

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