Jim Kerr

ROBERT "JIM" JAMES KERR was born on March 27, 1932, to George and Anna (Wischer) Kerr in Lawton, North Dakota. When Jim was four years old, the family moved to the Minneota, Minnesota area. Jim attended Lynd High School and graduated in 1950. Beginning at a young age, he farmed with his father near Russell, Minnesota and would later take over the operation. Jim was united in marriage to Elaine Norma Helgeson on June 13, 1970, at St. Edward Catholic Church in Minneota. Seeking stability for his young family, Jim left his career in agriculture in 1981, and began driving a gravel truck. He was also employed with Severson Tiling for a number of years and went on to a 17-year-long career at Marshall Labs. His retirement in 2005 allowed him to return to his love of farming, just in a different capacity as he skillfully nurtured his rose gardens, hostas, tomato plants grown from seed, and more at their home in Tyler, Minnesota. He always enjoyed the opportunity to share his accomplishments during a yard tour with whoever may stop by for a visit. Jim and Elaine were grateful to have recently shared their 50th wedding anniversary in 2020, and Jim was eagerly awaiting the milestone of turning 90 in just a few short months. However, Jim’s health led him to become a resident of the Sunrise Manor in Tyler, where he passed away three days later on Sunday, September 12, 2021. He was 89 years, five months, and 16 days of age (or “almost 90” as Jim would say).

Jim was a member of St. Dionysius Catholic Church in Tyler. In his spare time, he enjoyed playing cards with his friends. Jim never hesitated to offer his time to anyone in need of help, though he rarely and reluctantly asked for help himself. With the brain of a farmer, he was skilled in fixing just about anything. He will truly be missed.

Jim is survived by his wife, Elaine of Tyler; daughter, Diane (Tony) Burns of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; siblings, Duane (Barb) of Marshall, Minnesota and Margaret Mitchell of Canby, Minnesota; and many friends and extended relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Anna; son, Michael; and siblings, Warren, Hugh, George, Walt, and Albert.