Dear Mrs. Stolpa – I was a student of Jim’s at Incarnation Catholic Grade School from 1964-66 in the student band and choir. He was a great inspiration to me in later life. Please accept my condolences.
James D. Stolpa
December 29, 1941 – April 21, 2012
A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be on Friday, April 27, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s Cathedral Lower Church for James D. Stolpa, age 70 of Waite Park who passed away on Saturday, April 21, 2012 at Quiet Oaks Hospice House in St. Cloud. Reverend Anthony Oelrich will officiate. Inurnment will take place at the St. John the Baptist Columbarium, Collegeville.
Family and friends may call after 9:30 a.m. on Friday at the church. Arrangements were by the Daniel Funeral Home, St. Cloud.
Jim was born on December 29, 1941 in Winona, Minnesota to Stanley and Elizabeth (Kamrowski) Stolpa. He graduated from Winona Cotter High School. Jim graduated from St. John’s University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education and earned a Master’s Degree of Music History from the University of Minnesota. Recently he completed a Master of Divinity Degree from St. John’s School of Theology. Jim married Marie C. Lebens on August 13, 1966 at the Church of the Incarnation in Minneapolis. Over the years Jim taught music in Minneapolis, Dubuque, Iowa and Granite Falls. Jim was an accomplished musician in organ and piano. He shared his talents as a performer, accompanist and teacher. Jim was the Minister of Care and organist at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Winona for 17 years. After moving to St. Cloud in 2005 Jim ministered with the Minnesota Re-Entry Program, Quiet Oaks Hospice House and his parish. He was a life member of the Winona Knights of Columbus and a member of St. Mary’s Cathedral Parish.
Survivors include his wife, Marie; two daughters, Karen (Mike) Kruschke of Plymouth, Wisconsin and Jennifer (Jason) Flatt of Marinette, Wisconsin; two grandsons, Anton and Edward Flatt; and sister, Jo Ann Stolpa of Owatonna.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to St. John’s School of Theology, St. Mary’s Cathedral Parish and Quiet Oaks Hospice House.
Guestbook
Dear Mrs. Stolpa, Jennifer, Karen, Jo Ann and families, your dear Jim was a talented and sweet human being. Through the life he led, no doubt, Jim will be missed by you and so many others. I’m so sorry for your loss. Truly, Mary Voyles
May your memories of your dad bring you comfort and joy during this difficult time
Joanne, I am so sorry for your loss. I did not know your brother but I know you have always been close to your family. Please accept my condolences.
Dear Marie,
I remember Jim and you from my time as Director of Music at Central United Methodist Church, Winona. We shared many good times of ecumenical music making. I remember him as a kind and gentle soul, and I extend my deep sympathy to you and your family in his passing.
With thoughts and prayers,
Elsie Naylor
Jo,
I was so sorry to read about your brother’s passing. I always enjoyed hearing news of him and his family. Seems like just yesterday when you were coming up with creative gifts for a milestone birthday.
With sincere sympathy,
Cathy
Jo and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time. I never met your brother, Jo. What a special man, with so many wonderful qualities he shared with his family and with the world. He was lucky to have a wonderful sister in you, Jo, and I know you will all miss him dearly. Take care of yourself, Jo.
Steve and I so enjoyed Jim and that dry sense of humor. Jim did so much in his life and helped countless people. Jim will be missed by many people. I’m so glad you all had each other in your lives!
Jo and family,
My heartfelt prayers go out to you. After reading James’ obituary I am impressed what a mark he made in our world. I know that he will be missed by many. May the love you share together bind you in your grief.
Services
Visitation
St. Mary’s CathedralServices
St. Mary’s CathedralSchedule Details
A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be on Friday, April 27, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s Cathedral Lower Church for James D. Stolpa, age 70 of Waite Park who passed away on Saturday, April 21, 2012 at Quiet Oaks Hospice House in St. Cloud. Reverend Anthony Oelrich will officiate. Inurnment will take place at the St. John the Baptist Columbarium, Collegeville.
Family and friends may call after 9:30 a.m. on Friday at the church.