James Nanik

James William Nanik was born on September 25, 1954 in Wadena, Minnesota, one of nine children to Leo and Mary (Schwartz) Nanik. He was confirmed at St. Fredericks Catholic Church in Verndale as James William Terrance Nanik. He graduated from Verndale High School and attended Wadena Technical College studying plumbing. James enjoyed working as a Union Commercial Plumber/Pipefitter - he later became a Field Supervisor in 1999. He worked on all aspects of the trade; many hospitals and school jobs. Jim was a member of the Union for 36 years. It was after a Wadena High School football game that Jim met Pam. On August 16, 1975 at the St. Ann's Catholic Church in Wadena, they were united in marriage. To this union three amazing children were born, Bryan, Justin and Lindsey.
He was also a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus. Jim loved buying, driving, trading, and selling cars. He also enjoyed deer hunting with the Nanik family, fishing, snowmobiling, boating, and his love for guns. Jim was a handy man for everything - there wasn't anything that he couldn't do or fix; especially lawn mowers. He was a very involved Dad and Grandpa. He loved spending time with his three grandsons - shooting guns, watching them play sports, and even baking. He would always be there for them no matter what. Jim was a genuine, fun loving, sociable and easy going man whom will be extremely missed by his family and friends. Jim will now be together in eternity with Bryan and Justin.
After a three year battle with cancer, James died at the age of 61, surrounded by his family on Friday, June 10, 2016. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Pam Nanik; daughter, Lindsey (Shawn) Reishus; grandsons, Jackson, Mason and Greydin Reishus; sisters, Linda (Stan) Snyder, Joan (Billy) Bridges, Sue (Raymond) Schmidt; brother, Rich (Sheri) Nanik; sister and brother-in-laws, Pat (Bill) Vorderbruggen, Jerry (Judy) Zwack, Victoria Richied, Sandee Heltemes, Barb (Mark) Lundberg; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his sons, Bryan and Justin Nanik; parents, Leo and Mary (Schwartz) Nanik; siblings, Jerry Nanik, Arlene Marquardt, Helen Nanik, Tony Nanik; and brother-in-laws, Bob Heltemes and Don Richied
A Mass of Christian Burial took place on Thursday, June 16, 2016 at 11:00 AM at the St. Mary's Catholic Church in Alexandria. A visitation with prayer service and rosary was held on Wednesday, June 15, 2016 at the Anderson Funeral Home. Burial took place at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Alexandria.
Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria.