James (Jim) Mlejnek was born to William and Marie (Human) Mlejnek on June 26, 1936, in Rice Lake. God called him to his eternal home on October 15, 2025, at the age of eighty-nine, as the result of an aneurysm.

Jim grew up on and lived most of his life on the family dairy farm near Haugen until moving to their retirement home in 2005. Being an only child born to Czech parents, he began his formal education not knowing the English language. He graduated from Rice Lake High School in 1954. Jim's dad passed away when he was 18, leaving much responsibility on his young shoulders.

Jim committed his life to God as a young man. He married the love of his life, Ruth Toews, on December 11, 1960, at Collingwood School. They were blessed with two sons and one daughter, and enjoyed 60 years together. Ruth was called to her eternal home on April 21, 2021, leaving him lonely. He had a longing to go be with her. Jim loved people and enjoyed making conversation with those from all walks of life. His sense of humor was enjoyed by many. His faith was important to him, and he prayed daily for his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Those left to cherish his memory are his children, Dennis, Nancy, Gerald and Loretta; five grandchildren, Dalyn and Michaela, Bethany and Mark Wiens, Jenae, Trevor and Tami and Jerra; great-grandchildren, Emberly, Bentley and Benji, all of the Rice Lake area; brothers-in-law, Willard and Gwen, Morrell and Yvonne, both of Clayton; sisters-in-law, Erma and Maynard Haynes and Sylvia Emerson, both of Barron.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth; his parents and parents-in-law.

A funeral service will be held at Barron Mennonite Church in Barron on Sunday, October 19 at 10:30 a.m. A visitation will be held on Saturday, October 18 from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. at the church and one hour prior to the funeral service on Sunday morning. Interment will be at the Barron Mennonite Cemetery.

Last Update: Oct 20, 2025 12:05 pm CDT