James Alden Wignes

Macken Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Thursday, October 31, 1929
Date of Death:
Saturday, September 15, 2018
Age:
88 years old

Visitation

Date: Thursday September 20, 2018
Time: 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]

Second Visitation

Date: Friday September 21, 2018
Time: 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Location: Bethel Lutheran Church [ view map ]

Memorial Service

Date: Friday September 21, 2018
Time: 11:00 am

Location: Bethel Lutheran Church [ view map ]

Burial

Location: Oakwood Cemetery

Macken Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Thursday, October 31, 1929
Date of Death:
Saturday, September 15, 2018
Age:
88 years old
Macken Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Thursday, October 31, 1929
Date of Death:
Saturday, September 15, 2018
Age:
88 years old

James Alden Wignes

James (Jim) A Wignes, 88, of Rochester, died Saturday, September 15, 2018 at his home following a valiant battle with heart failure.

Jim was born October 31, 1929 to Arthur Joseph (AJ) and Ruth (Cawelti) Wignes in rural Farwell, MN. He graduated in 1947 from Northwood High School in Northwood, IA. Jim was active in football, baseball, basketball, drama and music. In 1951, he graduated from Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls, IA with a BA degree in math and physics. He was inducted into Phi Sigma Epsilon fraternity.

Jim began his teaching career in Rockford, IA. In 1952, he was drafted into the Army and served during the Korean War era 1952-1954. On April 1, 1953, Jim and Joanne Hanson were married in Albert Lea, MN. They lived in Ft Leavenworth, KS until 1954. After the Army, they moved to Armstrong, IA where Jim taught high school math and science.

In 1958, Jim earned a Masters degree from Colorado State College in Greely, CO. They moved to Rochester where Jim began teaching science at Rochester Community College. He later became Director of Admissions. Jim retired from RCC after 32 years of service.

Jim was an active member of Bethel Lutheran Church since 1962. He taught classes and was on church council, as well as serving as president.

Jim was a member of 1st Minnesota Civil War reenactment group, Civil War round table, Sertoma Club, and Pleasant Grove Masonic Lodge #22. He was a charter member of the Korean War Vets Club. He had also been a long time Mayo Volunteer.

Jim is survived by Joanne – wife of 65 years; brother, Russell (Maxine) of Albert Lea; sons, Mark (Lanette) of Rochester, and Jay (Karen) of Ankeny, IA; grandchildren, Amy (Mike) Wignes-Mallet, Adam, Jon (Molly), Tom, Michael (Anna); and great-grandchildren, Gavin and Logan Mallet, Judson Wignes, and Emery Wignes. He loved being a grandpa and great-grandpa.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, AJ and Ruth; siblings, Lois Jean (Bud) Noe, Stanley, Loren, and Lyle; and granddaughter, Jennifer Wignes.

Memorials may be made to Mayo Clinic heart research, Bethel Lutheran Church or Pleasant Grove Masonic Lodge Scholarship fund.

Jim’s family thanks Dr. Takahashi and the Mayo Clinic Hospice team who cared so lovingly for Jim.

Memorial service will be held at 11:00 am Friday, September 21 at Bethel Lutheran Church with Rev. Norman Wahl officiating. Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm Thursday, September 20, 2018 in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home. Masonic Service provided by Pleasant Grove Lodge #22 A.F and A.M will be held at 7:00 pm during the visitation. Visitation will also be held one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday. Burial will be at Oakwood Cemetery.

Condolences

The family of James Alden Wignes has received the following condolences.

Joanne and Family,


I have such positive memories of Jim and although my superior,he always treated me with the utmost respect and kindness.  The time spent at RCTC was years ago but one time of year always brings him to mind.  Our admissions staff, the pumpkin brigade, showed up at his home to wish him a very happy birthday! The photo of that night always brings a smile to my face.  A gentle man with a great sense of humor...may memories bring comfort to all of you.


Sincerely,


Earlene Hackenmiller

I have such great memories of “Mr Wignes” (one of my first college professors at RCC) and later of Jim, a fellow church member at Bethel and a great friend. He was such a kind, good man, always even-handed and diplomatic as chairman of the church council and always slyly funny as a friend. JoAnne, you were a great friend, too.  How wonderful that you had so many years together.

joanne, Mark and family,


What a wonderful man you’ve lost in Jim. He was a fine friend of my Dad’s, and I was fortunate to get to know him through the Y and community activities as well as his friendship with Owen. He was always so sincere and warm, interested in the life and feelings of others. 


Your family is in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. 

Uncle Wigness was the loving name that Sara and Nathan Quello used when they talked about Jim Wigness. Jim was the chair of the call committee that brought the Quello family to Bethel Lutheran and Rochester, MN. It was a wonderful chapter in our lives and Jim and Joanne were significant contributors to our enjoyment. Every Sunday Nathan and Sara would  seek out "Uncle Wigness" and get a taste of his genuine kindness and love. Jim and Joanne were incredible church supporters and were enthusiastic supporters of the Loquacious Couples Club. The liturgy talks about "sighs too deep for words to express"  The entire Quello family sends deep "sighs" of sympathy and significant gratitude that Jim and Joanne were such a meaningful part of our lives.

Mrs. Wignes and family,


A visit to Bethel will simply not be the same.  Jim's smile, warm greeting and genuine interest in how you were and what you were doing was always a pleasant treat - especially to someone used to "brisk" NYC communication.  His quiet presence will be missed by many.  You are in my thoughts and prayers.


Diane Kaese


 


 

Dear Joanne and Family, 


What a wonderful guy Jim was! He was so kind and incredibly proud of his family.  Jim was an RCTC LIFE Board member who valued lifelong education so much. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Joann and family,


I worked at RCC with Jim many years ago. Jim was a kind, gentle soul with a great sense of humor. It was a privilege to work with such a wonderful person. My prayers to you and your family.

jim was such a nice guy, always kind to people and never an unkind word came out of him that I know. we shall miss him. I am glad to have known him.

My sympathy to Joann and the Wignes family.  Jim was an exceptional person and also a good golfer.  Class Act for sure.