James "Jim" Louis Pfutzenreuter

James "Jim" Louis Pfutzenreuter, 93, passed away peacefully at home in White Bear Lake, Minnesota, on January 23, 2025. Born on April 23, 1931, to Aleksander (Alex) L. and Elin Marie (Thorgrimsen) Pfutzenreuter, Jim lived a remarkable life defined by determination, resourcefulness, and an irrepressible spirit.

Jim is survived by his children, Laura Kate Schmidt (Tom), with their children Jeff (Becky), Sarah (Anthony Roland) and Alex(Erin); Mace Alex Pfutzenreuter (Eve), with their children Claire, Rachel, and Reid; and son-in-law Bruce Smith (Kate), with their children Maggie(Sam Johnson) and Savannah. He is also survived by six great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews; and his sister, Dorajean Hansen.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Carol Mace (Harris); his daughter, Kate Smith; his parents; and his sister Laura Frank.

Jim's life was nothing short of an adventure. Growing up in St. Paul, across the street from Murray High School and the Minnesota State Fairgrounds, Jim attended the fair every year of his life except during the polio and COVID-19 years. After graduating from high school, he was drafted into the Korean War and served in the Marine Corps. His service took him overseas at age 19, and later to a post in Chicago where he was tasked with finding and arresting AWOL soldiers.

Following his military service, Jim attended St. Cloud State University. While working as a bartender at The Press, he made lifelong friends, earned a spot on the Dean's List, and developed a love for the game of golf.

Jim met his wife Carol at The Press Bar, and their love story was as colorful as his life. Together, they built a family and created memories that will be cherished by all who knew them.

His professional career took him from millwork sales in Redwood Falls to leadership roles at Will Ross Inc. in Milwaukee and then to 3M Healthcare, where he traveled the world and built lasting relationships with colleagues and physicians globally.

Jim had an unrelenting drive and passion for building and creating. With his self-taught carpentry skills, he constructed a summer cottage on Lake Amelia and later designed and built a stunning home at Dellwood Golf Course, fulfilling his dream of living on a golf course. This home remained a gathering place for family and friends for many years.

Jim's inventive mind led him to secure a US patent for "Shoulders" a line-drying tool to prevent bumps on the shoulders of his shirts. He left a unique thumbprint on the world.

Jim's adventurous spirit extended beyond his career. He became a certified downhill ski instructor in his late 60s, took his grandchildren on train trips to Montana for skiing

adventures, and shared his love of hockey by attending Minnesota Wild games with his grandkids. Always the life of the party, he hosted gatherings on his houseboat on the

Mississippi, enjoyed boating with friends and family, and loved owning Mustang convertibles.

A rule-breaker at heart, Jim was known for his impatience - his ear piercing whistle in crowded restaurants - honking car or boat horns while waiting-but also for his incredible

generosity and pride in his family. Whether dressing up as Santa Claus for his children or visiting the Pediatric Department at St. Joseph's Hospital in Milwaukee, Jim brought joy and magic wherever he went.

Jim was a great storyteller. He loved sharing stories from his childhood trips to Bald Eagle Lake and Grand Forks, North Dakota. He loved sharing hunting stories from Ottertail, MN to Aberdeen, South Dakota. Most of all he loved sharing his appreciation of the people he met and countries he visited while working at 3M. He loved telling stories about his work cronies from Japan, Australia, Africa, Portugal, Philippines and many other special places in the world.

A private prayer service celebrating Jim's life will be held at St. Andrew's Lutheran Church with Sarah Breckenridge presiding. Burial will take place at Fort Snelling National

Cemetery, honoring his service to our country. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

• CaringBridge Donation Processing Center

P.O. Box 6032

Albert Lea, MN 56007-6632

• Second Chance Animal Rescue

P.O. Box 10533

White Bear Lake, MN 55110-0533

Jim's life was a rollercoaster of adventures, love, and laughter. His legacy of determination, kindness, and joy will live on in the hearts of his family and friends.