James LeRoy Schlagel

Oct. 5, 1927-July 28, 2004

James LeRoy Schlagel died at the Elwood Care Center in Elwood on July 28, 2004, at the age of 76.

He was born in Hastings on Oct. 5, 1927, to Albert and Marie (Adams) Schlagel and was baptized on Jan. 1, 1928. On Dec. 14, 1952, James was confirmed at Peace Lutheran Church in McCook.

James attended school in several places before graduating from Indianola High School in 1945. Shortly after graduation, James enlisted in the Navy, serving from June 1945 to July 1946. He remained in the Naval Reserve until he was 35 years of age.

James was united in marriage to Maryellen Kennedy June 2, 1952, at Peace Lutheran Church in McCook. To this union three children were born, James, Barbara and William. The family resided south of Indianola before making their home in Cambridge, where Jim lived until moving to Elwood Assisted Living in August of 2002.

James was employed by the Bureau of Reclamation as a purchasing agent for 11 years. He later was employed by the Frenchman Cambridge Irrigation District as an office manager for 10 years. Following that, he worked for Twin Valley Public Power District for nearly 24 years as an office manager. After a short retirement, James went to work for the McCook Public Power District for two years. He had a deep respect for his work and the people who worked with him.

James was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Cambridge, where he served as treasurer for many years. He served as treasurer for the Cambridge Museum Board and Museum Foundation.

James enjoyed carpentry and took pride in building their first home. He also enjoyed working with computers and writing programs for them.

Preceding James in death were his parents; his wife, Maryellen on July 25, 1981; a son, William in 2002; and a brother-in-law, William Cisar.

Survivors include one son, James R. Schlagel of Cambridge; one daughter, Barbara (Matt) Andrews of Elwood; eight grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and one sister, Peggy Cisar of McCook.

Funeral services are in St. Patrick's Lutheran Church in Cambridge, Monday, 10:30 a.m., with Pastor Jeff Ernstmeyer officiating. Interment will take place at 1 p.m., at McCook Memorial Park Cemetery in McCook.

Memorials may be given in his name to the Cambridge Museum Foundation.

Lockenour-Jones Mortuary of Cambridge is in charge of the arrangements.