James Lee Wenger

James "Jim" Wenger, 73, passed away Friday February 6, 2026.

James Lee Wenger was born June 12, 1952, to Kenzie and Beverly (Gradin) Wenger in Minot, North Dakota. Jim was raised in a very loving family in Underwood, North Dakota.

Jim graduated from Underwood High School with the Class of 1970. Jim loved sports and music; participating in both. In the early 1970's Jim and his good friend, Dale Blotske started a band with two other friends. The band was called Kreation. During these years, Jim gained a nickname of Golden Throat. He was proud of this and carried it with him throughout his lifetime.

Jim followed the family tradition of his grandfather and father in the meat cutting and sausage making industry. The Wenger family was very well known for their great abilities in this field.

In 1974, Jim was married to Sue Boehler. To this union, two great children were born; Lisa and Paul. They later divorced.

In the mid 80's Jim made a career change going to work with The Bayliner Boat Company in Pipestone, Minnesota. After a few years he transferred with Bayliner to Tennessee. He worked closely with his good friend, Ron DeKam, while at Bayliner this friendship was valued by Jim throughout his lifetime.

In August of 1989, Jim Married Dorothea "Dot" Zylstra Byrum in Tennessee. They eventually moved back to Pipestone.

In 1995, Jim and his family moved to Grace City, North Dakota where he worked for the Topp Family Elevator. The elevator was eventually sold to Dahlgren and Company of Crookston, Minnesota.

Sadly, in November 2000, Dot was killed in a tragic accident. This was a very difficult time for Jim and Willy. Jim adopted Willy in February 2001. In January of 2002, Jim met a Crookston Dahlgren employee named Lorri Tucker. Jim transferred to the Crookston plant and he and Willy moved to Crookston in June of 2002.

In 2003, they began camping. Polk County Park at Mentor, Minnesota was their choice. Both enjoyed their time spent there. After the Park's renovation in 2005, Jim began assisting with the operations and upkeep. This was his part-time job while working at Dahlgren. Jim worked with other park hosts to maintain the park. Jim loved to help people so this was a great fit for him. Jim and Lorri were married at Polk County Park on August 16, 2014.

Jim is survived by his wife, Lorri; children, Lisa (Don), Paul (Lori), Willy (Laurie); stepdaughters, Beth and Julie Byrum; grandchildren, Brennen, Braelynn and Charlotte; siblings, Bob (Candice) Wenger, David (Betty) Wenger, Lynda (Steve) Ewing; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends; not to mention all the in-laws who loved him dearly.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Kenzie and Beverly Wenger, grandparents, son-in-law, Billy Larson and many other relatives.

May God richly bless the memory of James Lee Wenger.

James' family will celebrate his life with a memorial service on Saturday February 21, 2026 at Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home beginning at 1:30pm. Visitation will begin at 12:30pm.

There will be a celebration of life for family and friends at the Crookston Inn and Convention Center Ballroom immediately following the service.