James R. (Jim) Woestman

James R. (Jim) Woestman was born November 17, 1931 to Howard and Elsie Woestman, in a farm house outside of Galesville, Wisconsin, and died on December 3, 2015, at Mercy Hospice at the age of 84.

Jim graduated from the University of Nebraska and remained an avid Nebraska football fan. On August 27, 1955, Jim was united in marriage to Mary M. Alexander, of Grand Island, Nebraska and was blessed with 11 children. Jim enjoyed a very successful career in farm management, retiring as Regional Vice President for Farmers National Company. He then went on to establish Jim Woestman Farm Management Company. In addition to his impressive career, Jim was a business and agricultural advisor to many. For years Jim was active with the Rotary Club of Northwest Des Moines and St. Augustin parish. Jim took great pleasure dancing and listening to polka music, and discussing the musicians in his favorite polka bands. One of Jim’s favorite family activities was long camping trips exploring the United States on the roads less traveled. Later in life Jim enjoyed food, fellowship, and bingo at Northwest Community Center of Des Moines.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife, his parents, his sister, Susan Schneider, and his brother, Robert Woestman.

Jim is survived by his sister Marian Meyer, and his eleven children: Lawrence James (Camille); John Leon (Nancy); Margaret Sue (Mike) Elliott; Nancy Marie (Matt) Lahart; Lois Ann Woestman; Deborah Jean Bergh; Thomas Michael (Robin); Karen Elizabeth Bender; Anita Kay Norian; Marilyn Rose (Emil) Kashouh; and Kenneth Mark (Deanine).

Jim is survived by twenty-two grandchildren, and four great grandchildren: Joseph (Jenna) Woestman, and great granddaughter Analie; Anthony (Kristina) Woestman and great grandson James; James (Meagan) Woestman and great grandson Elijah; Kevin Woestman; Eric (Danielle) Woestman; Heather Westemeyer; Daniel (Shannon) Westemeyer; Bradley Westemeyer; Michael Lahart; Patrick Lahart; Stella Loukeris-Woestman; Emelie Bergh; Natalie Bergh; Julia Bergh; Sage Woestman; Salah Woestman; Athena Norian; Melissa Kashouh and great grandson Gregory; Keziah Kashouh; Aaliyah Kashouh; Alexandria Woestman; and Charles Woestman.

Visitation will be Sunday, Dec. 6, 2015, 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon St., Des Moines, Iowa.

Jim’s Memorial Mass is Monday, Dec. 7, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Augustin Catholic Church, 42nd and Grand Ave, Des Moines, Iowa.

His cremated remains will be buried at Sams Cemetery, Valeria, Jasper County, Iowa. This cemetery is 1.7 miles NE of Valeria, Iowa.

Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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