James Milton Guentzel, 78
Fish across the state of Minnesota breathed a sigh of relief as news spread that avid fisherman Jim Guentzel had passed away at his home on Lake Elysian.
James Milton Guentzel will be remembered for his smile, his love of animals and his affinity for free tshirts. He was a voracious reader and loved to sing, especially Johnny Cash or The Statler Brothers at karaoke night. In his 78 years, he ran a successful business, was an active member in his communities and was a loving, patient father to his four daughters. Jim was thoughtful and kind. He would do anything for anyone and he always had a solution to your problem, whether you wanted to hear it or not. He had a boisterous laugh and made friends everywhere he went. He loved talking to people, especially strangers.
Jim loved the Minnesota Twins, WCCO Radio and cheering for the Golden Gophers. If he wasn’t out cruising for his next big catch on The Fish Whisperer (his boat), you could find him hunting for morel mushrooms in the woods. He loved vomacka soup, going for walks and playing cribbage.
He is survived by his family, Karen Guentzel, Allyson Guentzel, Angela and Eric Bobick, Kate and John Catron, and Lindsay Guentzel. He is preceded in death by his parents, Milton and Jean (Schneider) Guentzel, and his older brother, David Guentzel.
In lieu of flowers, his family is asking for donations to be made to the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Jim’s memory (www.wrcmn.org). A celebration of his life is being planned for September 17th.
