James "Jim" Steidl

As a story teller himself, we wish to thank all the people in Jim’s life who share in the many memories he has shared with us.

Jim was born in Belle River Township on December 21, 1931, to Claude and Mary (Forster) Steidl. The middle of nine children, Jim attended a one-room schoolhouse and helped out on the family’s small farm.

He fell in love with Carol Jean Schneiderhan and married on August 27, 1957 at St Nicholas Catholic Church. Together they made their first home in Belle River, farming and starting their family of five children. After sickness overtook their livestock, they moved to Carlos where Jim traveled many miles and shared many stories about his painting profession. In his later years, he practiced woodworking skills, crafting a replica of his childhood home and many bird and butterfly houses to share.

Jim’s biggest accomplishments were being a husband, father, grandfather and brother. He considered himself lucky to have three sons Rick, Randy, and Jimmy and two daughters Jean and Julie. He taught them the trade of painting, to enjoy every moment life has to offer, and to never slow down.

Jim will always be remembered in the small town of Carlos for his daily drive-by and smiles to the quick hello at the bank. He was always on the go and enjoyed regular visits to Jim & Judy’s, Alexandria Ace Hardware, Herby’s, Behengs, and friendly neighbors. May he always be known for his ATV and golf cart town tours, assorted tractor collection, the friendly wave from his bench/porch swing, the harvest of garden goods he shared, Christmas lights, or him and Carol’s notorious homemade apple pies.

James “Jim” Arnold Steidl, 89, of Carlos, Minnesota, passed away on February 6, 2021. Just like he dealt with all experiences in life, Jim fought with strength and vitality managing the complications of Covid-19; his quick-wit and devoted family filled his final days.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents: Claude and Mary; brothers: Mike, Tim and Larry; sisters: Marie and Lorraine.

Jim is survived by his wife: Carol; children: Jean (Herb) Grothen, Rick Steidl, Randy (Wendy) Steidl, Julie (Dave) Waldorf and Jim (Sadie) Steidl; grandchildren: Shelly, Missy, Kristin, Kacie, Jacob, Ben, Nicole, Maggie, Nick, Nolan and Emily; 12 great-grandchildren; sisters: Betty (Jim) Schramel, Joanie (Cyril) Zimmel and Judy Kaufman; and sisters-in-law: Ella and Doris.  Jim also leaves behind special friend Jeff Beck and his beloved animal companions Pepi and Muffin.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, February 10, 2021 at 11:00 am at St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Belle River. This service will be live-streamed and recorded for family and friends to view from Jim’s obituary page on the Anderson Funeral Home website. A visitation will take place on Wednesday, February 10, 2021 from 9:00-11:00 AM at the church in Belle River. Interment is at St. Nicholas Catholic Cemetery.