James Staiger age 95 of Rochester, Minnesota, died Thursday August 29, 2024, at Welcome Home Assisted living in Elmwood, Wisconsin.
He was born August 1, 1929, to Joe and Lillian (Hubley) Staiger, in Mazeppa, MN. James moved with his family to Fall Creek, WI and then Oregon. He served in the U.S. Army in 1946 and was Honorably Discharged. James married Lorraine Hubley in 1949, in Hastings, MN.
James was an Iron worker and traveled throughout the United States, overseeing the construction of bridges and high-rise buildings. He was a member of the Iron Workers Local #512 in St. Paul, MN for 77 years. The safety of his crew and job site were his main concern.
One of James’s favorite pastimes was fishing in his boat with family and friends.
James is survived by Alice Kropp, his beloved companion for 20 plus years; a daughter, Vicki (Greg) Nelson of Spring Valley; daughter-in-law, Becky Staiger (Tom Schmelzle) of Menomonie; a brother, Lloyd Staiger of Hastings, MN; grandchildren, Scott (Sasha) Nelson, Chad (Kelly) Nelson, Jodi Nelson, Sarah (Rodney) Schaefer, Brent (Mary) Staiger; several great grandchildren and several great-great grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Lorraine; a son John and a granddaughter-in-law, Julie Nelson.
At his request, James elected to donate his body to the Mayo Clinic Body Donation Program in Rochester, MN for education and research.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, memorials may be sent to the Mayo Clinic Body Donation Program, Stabile 9-22, 200 First Street, Rochester, MN 55905
A Celebration of Life is scheduled from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Saturday September 7, 2024, at the Grammercy Apartments, located at 1333 Arthur Lane, NW, Rochester, MN.
Condolences may be made online at rhielfuneralhome.com
Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Elmwood is serving the family.
