James Peter Faugstad, 59, of rural Emmons died at home surrounded by his loving family on May 13, 2015. He is now rejoicing in the presence of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Scarville Synod Lutheran Church with the Rev. Thomas Rank officiating.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Mittelstadt Funeral Home, 902 E. Main St., Lake Mills, and again one hour prior to the service at the church.

Interment will be at the Scarville Synod Lutheran Church cemetery following the service.

Jim was born on Jan. 31, 1956, at Naeve Hospital in Albert Lea, son of Nels D. and Camilla M. (Petersen) Faugstad. He was baptized, confirmed and was a life-long member of Scarville Synod Lutheran Church in Scarville, Iowa, where he served as a school board member, congregational vice chairman, trustee and elder.

He attended Scarville Lutheran School through eighth grade and graduated from Kiester High School in 1974. He attended Bethany Lutheran College where he met his wife, Emily Trier. They were married on April 16, 1977, in Mankato, and their marriage was blessed with six children.

After graduating from college in 1976, he returned to his family farm in Mansfield township. Jim worked on the farm full-time until he was diagnosed with multiple myeloma cancer in 2004. He also worked at Alamco Wood Products in Albert Lea from 2001 to 2014. Although he had much pain to endure during his many years with cancer, he handled it with grace, humor and an optimism that comes from a strong faith in God. He had a kind and giving heart, a quick wit, and boundless energy.

He is survived by his wife, Emily; children Maria (Glenn) Smith of Klamath Falls, Oregon, Laura (Eric) Harstad of Hanska, Peter (Kristin) Faugstad of Tacoma, Washington, Benjamin (Ashley) Faugstad of Emmons, Kristin Capp of Albert Lea, and Joel Faugstad of Emmons; grandchildren Gabriel, Philip, Micah, Isaac, Grace, Marit, Greta, James, Nels, Noelle, Julia, Gideon and Caden; siblings Mary (Alan) Ross, Becky (Don) Luckstein, Daniel (Julie) Faugstad, Kris (Steve) Maher and Paul Faugstad; in-laws Charles (Katrin) Trier, Clarice (Douglas) Guelker, Robert (Patty) Trier and Norman (Sharon) Trier; and many more relatives.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Nels and Camilla Faugstad; father- and mother-in-law, Herbert and Lavine Trier; infant brother, David Faugstad; grandson, Matthew Smith; nephew, James Luckstein; and sister-in-law, Annette Trier.

He will be greatly missed, and his family looks forward to seeing him again in heaven.