James Kuchera

James Luverne Kuchera was born on June 5, 1925 in Glenville, MN to Victor and Eva (Hoverson) Kuchera. He attended School in Glenville and Albert Lea through the eleventh grade. James enlisted in the U.S. Navy on December 7, 1942 and was honorably discharged on June 6, 1946. James was a flight engineer on a PBM Martin Mariner Bomber Sea Plane and saw duty at Key West, FL Naval Air Station, Bermuda, Panama Canal and the South Pacific. James married Beverly Wallace on March 3, 1989 in Alexandria, where the couple made their home. James enjoyed making things, painting pictures, hunting and fishing and conversations with friends and family. James died on Tuesday, December 1, 2009 at Knute Nelson in Alexandria at the age eighty-four. He is survived by his wife, Beverly of Alexandria; brother, John Kuchera of Truth or Consequences, NM; step-daughter, Pamela (Gary) Rachuy of Warroad; 8 step-grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. James is preceded in death by his parents, Victor and Eva; step-children, Brenda Strater, Bill Buckley, Paul Wallace and Cindy Buckley. A funeral service was held on Saturday, December 5, 2009 at the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria with Reverend Sherry Billberg officiating. Music was provided by Randy Morken. Military Honors were provided by the Alexandria American Legion Post 87 and VFW Post 936. Interment was in Greenwood Cemetery in Glenville, MN with Reverend Krista Stokke officiating. Honorary casket bearers were James step-grandchildren, Michelle Buckley, Rebecca Rachuy-Marketon, Brent Strater, Matthew Rachuy, Katrina Rachuy, Robert Strater, Jason Koep, and Jed Koep. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria.