James T. Lynner (March 22, 1924 ~ August 8, 2012) James T. Lynner was born March 22nd, 1924, at the family farm home in Friendship Township, rural Clarkfield, Minnesota, to parents Hans Christian and Clara Melbostad Lynner. James was baptized and confirmed (May 1, 1938) at Clarkfield Lutheran Church where he continued to be a lifelong member. James attended school and graduated from Clarkfield High School in 1942. He attended South Dakota State University in Brookings, South Dakota. While attending an all school picnic, James met a fellow student named Arlene Elsom. When James returned to Clarkfield to farm, the long distance courtship continued. James and Arlene were married on May 1st, 1949, at United Methodist Church in Britton, South Dakota. To this union were born three sons: Jim, Paul and Steven. They lived on the Clarkfield Dairy Farm with James' father for ten years prior to his death in 1959. James was an active member of several musical groups including the Hauge Male Chorus, Clarkfield Lutheran Church Sr. Choir for 55+ years, Clarkfield and Montevideo Community Bands and the Minnesota Over 60s Band where he played saxophone. James served on several community boards and organizations within Yellow Medicine County. These included Producers CO-OP Shipping Association, Associated Milk Producers Association, Dairy Herd Improvement Association, American Dairy Association, Farm Bureau and the Yellow Medicine County Fair Board. His service on local boards and organizations included various positions at Clarkfield Lutheran Church including past congregational president, Clarkfield Lions Club, Curling Club, school board, election judge, Sons of Norway and the 4-H program. James and Arlene enjoyed travels to Europe and to Norway visiting relatives. In 1980, they were part of a mission trip to Haiti. They were traveling companions to many agriculture conventions, Over 60s Band parades, trips and other events. James enjoyed spending time with friends and family, working at the church fall Harvest Festival and his various band functions. James was extremely proud of his eight grandchildren, six great grandchildren and their activities and accomplishments. Following the loss of Arlene on May 8th, 2012, James' health continued to decline. He was admitted to the Chippewa County-Montevideo Hospital on July 27th where he remained until his passing on August 8th, 2012, at the age of 88 years, 4 months and 17 days. James is survived by his sons: James B. Lynner, Paul and Natalie Lynner and Steven and Brenda Lynner, all of Clarkfield and his eight grandchildren and six great grandchildren: Ranae (Josh) Carter and Kyra, Craig (Trista) Lynner, Brynn and Chloe, Christa (Tom) Sebo and Lauren, Jenna Lynner, Emmy (Jake) Bollman and Thatcher, Michael (Kate) Lynner, Eric (Kaitlynn) Lynner and Zoey, and Matthew Lynner. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins. James was preceded in death by his wife Arlene, parents Hans Christian and Clara Lynner, brothers Curtis and Ed, sisters Marian Nord and Margaret Gordon. Blessed be his memory. In Loving Memory of James T. Lynner Visitation Saturday, August 11, 2012 ~ 5:00-7:00 p.m. Prayer Service 6:30 p.m. Lynner Funeral Home, Clarkfield, Minnesota Funeral Service Sunday, August 12, 2012 ~ 1:30 p.m. Clarkfield Lutheran Church, Clarkfield, Minnesota Clergy Officiating, Pastor Christopher R. Zuraff Organist, Charlann Anspach Congregational Hymns "Softly and Tenderly, Jesus is Calling" "The Old Rugged Cross" "On Eagles Wings" Honorary Casket Bearers (Great Grandchildren) Brynn Lynner ~ Kyra Carter ~ Chloe Lynner Zoey Lynner ~ Lauren Sebo ~ Thatcher Bollman Casket Bearers (Grandchildren) Christa Sebo ~ Jenna Lynner Emmy Bollman ~ Ranae Carter Craig Lynner ~ Michael Lynner Eric Lynner ~ Matthew Lynner Final Resting Place Clarkfield Lutheran Cemetery Clarkfield, Minnesota Arrangements by Lynner Funeral Home Since 1891 Clarkfield Minnesota