James J. Malanaphy, Jr.

Monday, April 3, 2017 4:34 pm

James J. Malanaphy, Jr died peacefully March 31, 2017, surrounded by family in his home in Stillwater, Minn. Funeral mass is at 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 4, at the Assumption Catholic Church in Canton, Minn., with Father Edward McGrath officiating. Burial is in the Calvary Cemetery in Canton. Visitation is one hour prior to services at the church. Memorials are preferred to the Knights of Columbus, Decorah Council 428. 307 W. Main Street, Decorah, IA 52101. Arrangements are entrusted to Mengis Funeral Home in Mabel.

He was born Jan. 2, 1927, in Decorah. He was raised on the family farm and graduated from Decorah High School. In 1951 he married the love of his life, Jean Holien and joined the Army. After his discharge in 1953, Jim and Jean moved their growing family back to the home farm. In 1957, he made the move from farm to Mason City, and launched a life-long career in agri-business. The family moved often as his career progressed. In retirement, Jim and Jean split their time between Florida and Buffalo City, Wis., where they ran “The Mississippian” supper club; and they eventually moved to Woodbury Minn. to be closer to their children. When Jim was not on the road working, he was playing with family and friends or praying.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Jean (Holien) Malanaphy; his children: James J. III, Toni Malanaphy-Sorg (Mike Sorg), Brennan (Peg), Seri, Joel, Stuart, Maury (Liz); grandchildren: Mckenzie (Galen Poor), Marley, Tess, James J. IV (Samantha), Jonah, Sydney, Max, Clara, Kate and Owen; sisters: Dorothy (Jack) Kendall, Mary Lou Manning, and Julia (Laverne) Massman; sister-in-law Jannan Malanaphy; and numerous nieces and nephews and many good friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James J. and Dorothy Malanaphy; brother, John Charles; sisters, Joyce Lynch and Betty Martin and son, David Malanaphy.