James D. “Jim” Prihoda, 62, of Blooming Prairie passed away Sunday, June 10, 2018, at Mayo Clinic Hospital – St. Marys campus in Rochester.

James Dean was born July 29, 1955, in Austin, the son of William and Margaret (Bangert) Prihoda. Jim graduated from Blooming Prairie High School in 1973. He worked at Srsens Auto, Krampitz ITCO and Viracon. In the fall of 1989 he began his almost 30-year career as a plumber working for Christianson and Myre Plumbing & Heating and Prairie Plumbing & Heating.

Jim met the love of his life, Monica Lammers, on a blind date and on May 28, 1993, the couple married. In 1998, Jim achieved master plumber and continued his work until retiring in 2018 from Prairie Plumbing & Heating. Jim was a lifelong Blooming Prairie resident except for three years he spent in Colorado.

He appreciated the outdoors, especially fishing. He was proud of one of his largest catches, a 27-1/2  inch walleye caught on Lake Mille Lac. He enjoyed turkey hunting,and working the family farm. He enjoyed spending his free time at the pond on the farm. Jim was a member of the Wild Turkey Federation, Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever and the National Rifle Association. He was a longtime member of First Lutheran Church and a supporter of Blooming Prairie Cancer Group. Jim will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife, Monica Prihoda, of Blooming Prairie; brothers Bernie (Sue) Prihoda of Owatonna, Lloyd (Jane) Prihoda of Blooming Prairie and Daryl (Jane) Prihoda of Austin; sisters-in-law Shelley Prihoda of Blooming Prairie, Jeanne (Mark Haugland) Parmenter of Austin and Diane (Merle) Klouse of Rose Creek; brother-in-law, David (Crystal) Lammers of Adams; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and other relatives and friends. 

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, William and Margaret Prihoda; and his brother, Steve Prihoda.

Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at First Lutheran Church in Blooming Prairie. The Rev. Heidi Heimgartmer will officiate. Jim’s family will greet friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Worlein Blooming Prairie Funeral Home and will continue for one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday.  Interment will follow the service at First Lutheran Cemetery.

Memorials can be directed to First Lutheran Church or recipient of donor’s choice. 

Jim wanted everyone to be comfortable and to remind everyone that casual attire for the funeral is welcome. Services were prearranged and will be performed by Worlein Funeral Home of Austin. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.