James Joseph Caroline Minot, North Dakota Obituary

James Joseph Caroline

James Joseph Caroline, Minot, ND, formerly of Kenmare, ND, passed away Thursday, November 26, 2020.  James was born March 2, 1925, the son of Joseph Francis and Thresia Ann (Gleisner) Caroline, in Kenmare, ND.  James attended first grade in a rural school near Kenaston.  During the Great Depression years, the family moved to California and Oregon to secure work.  During this period, James attended 10 different schools.  The family returned to Kenmare where he completed his Senior year of school, graduating in 1943.  James enlisted in the United States Army on February 9, 1944.  He proudly served his country during World War II.  He received the Purple Heart (wounded in combat) and Bronze Star (meritorious service in combat) during the Battle of Okinawa, Japan.  He was honorably discharged February 9 1946. James married Helena Bauer on October 25, 1950 at St. Agnes Catholic Church, Kenmare. Following their marriage they lived southwest of Kenmare, ND, where they farmed and raised their family.  They moved into Kenmare in September of 2000. Helena passed away June 30, 2006.  James moved from Kenmare to Edgewood in Minot in May of 2018.  James was a member of St. Agnes Catholic Church, the VFW, and the WWII Last Man’s Club all of Kenmare, ND.  James enjoyed watching the Vikings and Twins.  In retirement, he also enjoyed woodworking.  He became known as the family poet.  His poems ranged from humorous to very personal.  He also documented several of the most impactful times of his service during WWII.  Until the last few days of his life, his great wit continued and he was always good with the “one-liners”.  James and his family are very thankful for the loving care he received from the employees, nurses, CMA’s and CNA’s of Edgewood Vista and CaringEdge Hospice in Minot.  His loving family includes:children, Joseph (Debra) Caroline, Wahpeton, ND, David (Phyllis) Caroline, Bottineau, ND and Dorothy (Mark) Placek, Tioga, ND. Seven grandchildren, Brendan (Nicole) Caroline; Elizabeth (Jacob) Loeks; Greg (Heidi) Brekhus; Jason Brekhus (Deanna Lindemann); Erin (Colton) Berentson; Austin (Lacey) Placek; Ashley (Darron) Olson 15 great-grandchildren, brother, Vernon Caroline, Little Canada, MNand numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.  James was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Helena; daughter, Mary Brekhus; sister, Verna (Clarence) Wirtz, and numerous extended family members.   Celebrating the Life of James: Due to the Coronavirus Pandemic, a private graveside service was held at St. Agnes Catholic Cemetery, Kenmare December 1, 2020.  The Celebration of Life Mass will be held Tuesday, June 29, 2021 at 2 PM in St. Agnes Catholic Church, Kenmare.  Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorial are preferred: St. Agnes Catholic Church, Kenmare CaringEdge Hospice of Minot Kenmare Vets Club Or a favorite charity of the donor
March 2, 1925 - November 26, 202003/02/192511/26/2020
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Obituary

James Joseph Caroline, Minot, ND, formerly of Kenmare, ND, passed away Thursday, November 26, 2020.  James was born March 2, 1925, the son of Joseph Francis and Thresia Ann (Gleisner) Caroline, in Kenmare, ND.  James attended first grade in a rural school near Kenaston.  During the Great Depression years, the family moved to California and Oregon to secure work.  During this period, James attended 10 different schools.  The family returned to Kenmare where he completed his Senior year of school, graduating in 1943.  James enlisted in the United States Army on February 9, 1944.  He proudly served his country during World War II.  He received the Purple Heart (wounded in combat) and Bronze Star (meritorious service in combat) during the Battle of Okinawa, Japan.  He was honorably discharged February 9 1946. James married Helena Bauer on October 25, 1950 at St. Agnes Catholic Church, Kenmare. Following their marriage they lived southwest of Kenmare, ND, where they farmed and raised their family.  They moved into Kenmare in September of 2000. Helena passed away June 30, 2006.  James moved from Kenmare to Edgewood in Minot in May of 2018.  James was a member of St. Agnes Catholic Church, the VFW, and the WWII Last Man’s Club all of Kenmare, ND.  James enjoyed watching the Vikings and Twins.  In retirement, he also enjoyed woodworking.  He became known as the family poet.  His poems ranged from humorous to very personal.  He also documented several of the most impactful times of his service during WWII.  Until the last few days of his life, his great wit continued and he was always good with the “one-liners”.  James and his family are very thankful for the loving care he received from the employees, nurses, CMA’s and CNA’s of Edgewood Vista and CaringEdge Hospice in Minot.  His loving family includes:children, Joseph (Debra) Caroline, Wahpeton, ND, David (Phyllis) Caroline, Bottineau, ND and Dorothy (Mark) Placek, Tioga, ND. Seven grandchildren, Brendan (Nicole) Caroline; Elizabeth (Jacob) Loeks; Greg (Heidi) Brekhus; Jason Brekhus (Deanna Lindemann); Erin (Colton) Berentson; Austin (Lacey) Placek; Ashley (Darron) Olson 15 great-grandchildren, brother, Vernon Caroline, Little Canada, MNand numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.  James was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Helena; daughter, Mary Brekhus; sister, Verna (Clarence) Wirtz, and numerous extended family members.   Celebrating the Life of James: Due to the Coronavirus Pandemic, a private graveside service was held at St. Agnes Catholic Cemetery, Kenmare December 1, 2020.  The Celebration of Life Mass will be held Tuesday, June 29, 2021 at 2 PM in St. Agnes Catholic Church, Kenmare.  Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorial are preferred: St. Agnes Catholic Church, Kenmare CaringEdge Hospice of Minot Kenmare Vets Club Or a favorite charity of the donor

Events

Jun
29
The Celebration of Life Mass
Tuesday, June 29 2021
02:00 PM
St. Agnes Catholic Church
409 East Division Street
Kenmare, ND 58746
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Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorial are preferred: St. Agnes Catholic Church, Kenmare CaringEdge Hospice of Minot Kenmare Vets Club Or a favorite charity of the donor