James "Jim" Lefebvre

Lefebvre, James Robert “Jim”, 81 of Elk River, MN passed away in his home on May 25, 2019 of heart failure.

Jim was a long time dairy farmer from Otsego, MN who was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend. He lived his life as a true servant leader. He was born in Elk River, MN on November 11, 1937 and grew up on the family farm, which he would later purchase from his parents, Stella (Lenz) and Robert. 

While serving our nation in the U.S. Army, he married Rita McCann on September 28, 1957, and together they raised six children. Over the next 41 years he grew the family farm through progressive conservation farming practices while also serving on numerous local and national industry boards.

After selling the farm in 1999, he moved to Blue Lake where he honed his gardening skills, played cards and entertained friends and family, which he always loved to do. When he wasn’t at the lake, you could find him attending the grandkids’ activities, playing golf, snowmobiling and always talking smart. 

He lived his faith through a life of service by participating in the Knights of Columbus, parish council and trustee work, Faith-in-Action, Christ Our Light Befrienders, and much more.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Rita; children, Chuck (Kathy), Greg (Sabine), Mark (Jan), Nancy (Dan) Fordahl, Dan (Karen), and Bob; 18 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his daughter-in-law, Becky, and grandson, Matthew. Visitation from 4-8 PM on Wed., May 29 at Christ Our Light Catholic Church, 25909 4th St. W, Zimmerman. Mass of Christian Burial on Thurs., May 30 at 11 AM with visitation one hour prior at the church. Interment at St. John the Baptist Cemetery in Dayton. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the Christ Our Light Building Fund.

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