James Marcus Kienlen, age 73, of New Braunfels TX, formerly of New Ulm, was called to join his heavenly Father on January 31st. Was it a coincidence that this was his son Mike's birthday, who was already awaiting 29 years?


"Jim", son of Marcus & Eleanor (Bastian) Kienlen was a manual laborer primarily in farming and county road maintenance. He eventually moved to Texas after too many snowstorms & whiteouts. Jim loved sports, reading, country music & watching his grandchildren's many antics.


Jim is survived by his high school sweetheart, Marie, daughter of deceased Leo & Bernie Walter of Courtland MN. Jim's greatest wish was to see his sons become good fathers. With the good Lord's help, it has happened: Thomas (wife Sylvia & 3 children), Paul (wife Sofia & 4 children), Steven (wife Lisa & 3 children). Also surviving are sisters Donna (Jake) Simonitsch, Independence MO; Lois Bounelis, Mountain Brook AL; Marianne (Paul) Kaiser, Chicago IL; and Barbara (Paul) Salsini, Milwaukee WI; many nieces & nephews.


Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be 4-7pm Friday February 21st at Minnesota Valley Funeral Home, NORTH CHAPEL, in New Ulm and will continue for one hour prior to the time of service at the church on Saturday. Funeral service will be at 10am Saturday February 22nd, with old friend Rev. Germaine Rademacher officiating at St. George Catholic Church, West Newton Township. Interment will follow in the church cemetery; then going on to the parish school building for a light lunch. Relatives, family, friends and classmates please come to give Jim a proper St. George send-off. Memorial gifts may be directed to NUACS (where Jim & Marie met 58 years ago!).