Harvey James “Jim” Lestrud, age 68, of Austin, died Sunday evening, Nov. 20, 2005, at his home. He was born May 18, 1937, in Albert Lea, to Harvey James, Sr. and Clara Elizabeth (Jensen) Lestrud. He attended O’Leary country school near Albert Lea and later married Linda Lee (Nelson) Jensen on May 15, 1976, in Clear Lake. Over the years Jim was employed in Hollandale and with the Albert Lea Tribune, Austin Daily Herald, Mower and Freeborn County Shoppers. A member of the Eagles Club in Albert Lea, he attended St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in New Richland. He always had a lifelong love for polka and waltz, Harleys and cars, as well as fishing with the family. Jim will be remembered for his kindness and his smile.

Survivors include his wife, Linda Lestrud of Austin; children, Michael Lestrud of Austin; Don Lestrud of Olathe, Kan.; Cindy (Bobby) Kilby of Austin; Kim (James) Erickson of St. Ansgar, Iowa; Brian Lestrud of Austin; Justin (Michelle) Lestrud of Austin; siblings, Richard Lestrud of Albert Lea; Joyce (J.R.) Henderson of Hartland; ten grandchildren and one great-grandson. His parents, Harvey and Clara Lestrud; a nephew Jason Luoma and a grandson, Steven Nielsen, preceded him in death.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 26, 2005, at Worlein Funeral Home Chapel in Austin with The Rev. Philip A. Lewison officiating. Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m., Friday at Worlein Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service. Interment is at Geneva Cemetery. Casket bearers are Brian Lestrud, Bobby Kilby, Kult Krumpos, James Erickson, Mark Montgomery, Jerry Wing, John “Jack” Stuhr and Michael Hall.