James Fibranz

James Fibranz, age 90, of Wheaton, Minnesota passed away Thursday, May 27, 2021 at the Traverse Care Center in Wheaton.

Funeral Services will be held Friday, June 4, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at St. John Lutheran Church in Wheaton with Rev. George Sagissor III officiating.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to service time at the church. Burial will be in St. John Lutheran Cemetery, rural Wheaton, at a later date. Honorary Urn Bearers will be his grandchildren.

James Otto Fibranz was born January 16, 1931, to Otto and Edna (Deyo) Fibranz of Beardsley, MN.  James started his schooling by riding horse to school. James graduated from Wheaton High School. He was very proud of never missing a day of school.  He married Rita Mae (Johnson) Fibranz on August 24, 1952.  They were blessed with five children.  James worked for the Traverse County Highway Dept. for thirty-three years.  He also farmed.  He played softball into his forties, and for many years after that with his grandchildren.  James loved to hunt, especially in Wyoming with his sons.  He also loved fishing, especially ice fishing.  He was often on his four-wheeler in his hills.  James was known for his quick wit and love of sports.

James is survived by Rita, his wife of over sixty-eight years; daughter Marsha (Eric) Anderson of Rochester, MN; son Monte of Cheyenne, Wyoming; son James, Jr. of Cottage Grove, MN; and daughter Desiree Birch of Litchfield, MN; twelve grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

James was preceded in death by his son Michael James Fibranz; his parents; his parents-in-law Ernest and Martha (Nachtigal) Johnson; and his brother-in-law Kenneth Johnson.  Blessed be the memory of James Otto Fibranz, whose faith was strong and very important in his life.