James Pickar

james pickar
James L. Pickar age 76 of New Hampton, Iowa died Sunday, April 7, 2013, at his home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m.Wednesday, April 10, 2013, at Holy Family Parish - St. Joseph Center, New Hampton with Rev. Mark Osterhaus celebrating the Mass. Private family interment will take place at Calvary Cemetery, New Hampton. Pallbearers are Dawn Pickar, Chad Pickar, Matt Zeien, Ray Zeien, Jill Zeien and Zach Zeien. Honorary pallbearers are Bob & Shermayne Cross, Lyle & Val Poock, Jack & Rose Kerkove, Dick & Phyllis Orthaus, John Kramer, David Kramer, Vern & Connie Tilkes. Friends may greet the family 3:00 - 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 9, 2013, at the Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home in New Hampton. Visitation continues an hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday. James “Jim” L. Pickar was born June 8, 1936, in Elma, IA, the son of Raymond and Bertha (Boehmer) Pickar. He received his education in rural country schools in Deerfield Township in rural Chickasaw County, IA. The Pickar family farmed in the Deerfield area and Jim learned how to work hard at a very young age. He never really retired. In 1954, Jim met the love of his life, Rosalie Kriener, at a dance in Spillville, IA. The couple was married on June 25, 1957, at St. Luke’s Catholic Church in St. Lucas, IA. To this union; three children were born. Jim and Rosie farmed north of New Hampton until 1982 when the couple moved into their current New Hampton home. Jim continued farming by working for several area farmers and then took the maintenance position at St. Joseph Parish and School. For the last eight years, Jim was the head groundskeeper for the New Hampton City Cemetery. Jim will be remembered as an avid outdoorsman, his love for hunting, fishing, farming and mowing his lawns. Jim took great pride in the manner the cemetery was maintained. Jim knew how to do so much and could fix anything, even building his daughter’s home and butchering his own meat. Jim cherished the time he spent with his family, especially his grandchildren. Jim walked thousands of miles at the Chickasaw Wellness Center and in town. He was known to have said that he walked across the United States and half way back. Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Rosalie; one son, Rick (Lois) Pickar of Lawler; two daughters, Cindy (Tom) Zeien, Janet (Tony) Schwickerath all of New Hampton; eight grandchildren, Dawn (C.J. Philo) Pickar, Chad (Carissa) Pickar, Matt Zeien, Ray Zeien, Jill Zeien, Zach Zeien, Beth Schwickerath, Carrie Schwickerath; three great-grandchildren, Taylor Pickar, Alex Pickar and Kiara Philo; two brothers, Virgil Sr. “Mike” (Edna) Pickar of New Hampton, Stanley Pickar of Garden Grove, CA; and one sister, Bernice Houser of Cresco. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Bernard Pickar; two sisters-in-law, Joan Pickar, Joanne Pickar; one brother-in-law, Art Houser; his father and mother-in-law, Joseph and Julia Kriener. “REST IN PEACE, HUSBAND, DAD AND GRANDPA” For the pain is gone, the lake is calm and the fish are biting! We will love you forever!

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  1. Rosie and family, we were so sorry to hear of your loss. We always remember the visits we had together when you came to the Uptown to eat. God bless you. Mary and Bill Mooberry

  2. To my custodian friend and co-worker, we spent long hours waxing those floors and painting the walls. You were a great friend and always kind. You touched the lives of everyone around you and will be missed always!! Mike Shatek and Family

  3. Rosalie and family: Our sympathy to you on your loss. Our son enjoyed working with Jim at the school. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Pat and Carol Brickley

  4. Goodbye Uncle Jim, To me you’ll always be a provider. A father, a farmer, a man of the strength and one quick to share – a helping hand, a laugh, a meal, a conversation. I remember trips to the farm, us kids flitting about, but always hovering near the card games and adult action. Watching and enjoying the fun and laughter shared with our extended family. I’ll never forget your hands. Those handshakes will be with me forever. Even when we buried my Dad a few years back, I remember the sorrow, the talking, the hugging and a comforting hand shake with you. Solid, strong and protecting. The hands of a provider. I didn’t know you until my birth in 1966, but from my many conversations with my Mom and Dad, I know the young years of your life with your loving wife Rosalie were fun filled and memorable for my Mom & Dad. Those times continued on throughout the years with all of us kids in tow and created many, many memories. The Weigels loved you deeply. Your passing follows directly on the heels of your brother-in-law Eddie. Very emotional times for the entire Kriener and Pickar families and so many that have had the privilege to be part of your life. Thoughts and prayers go out to you Rosalie, Rick, Cindy, Janet and the entire Pickar family. Relish the memories and know your Dad has taken his place in the afterlife. My schedule unfortunately will not allow me be back for the service, but I will be thinking about Uncle Jim and comfort he provided to me and us all. God Bless Greg J Weigel

  5. Dear Rosalie and family, My thought and prayers are with all of you. I enjoyed my visits with Jim when I was working for the church and he was working for the church and school. He was such a nice person.

  6. To the Pickar family, Sorry to hear about your loss. My father was Joseph Wisher, Jim’s 1st cousin. Last fall I happened to visit Bollendorf, Germany where the Pickars came from. There is a beautiful little Catholic Church there. My thoughts are with all of you. Linda Wisher

  7. Rosalie,Rick,Cindy and Janet Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss,our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. I will miss my brother. Stanley Pickar and Family

  8. I did not lose you Grandpa, you became my angel today. You fought good and strong, now you can rest and no longer feel the pain. Cancer did not win, you did! I love you Gramps.

  9. Cindy – I am so sorry to read of your Dad’s passing. I know my mom has enjoyed talking with your mom and dad, especially after Dad’s diagnosis and death. Please accept my deepest sympathy. Ann Grober

  10. Our deepest sympathy to you all! He was a wonderful man. I’ll forever cherish our visits at the ‘old Liddles’ grocery store!!(that was always our inside joke!) Take care and may God bless you all!! In deepest sympathy- shellie and steve boos

  11. Dear Pickar Family, Please accept my deepest sympathy at this sad time. May God ‘walk with you’ in your journey of grief and may your memories help ease the pain of loss. SIncerely, Alice Conlon

  12. To the Pickar family, My sincere sympathy in the loss of your husband, father and grandpa. May your happy memories bring you peace and healing. You all will be in my thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Julie (Randall) Nemmers, Spencer, Iowa.

  13. Janet & family, You have our deepest sympathy, and are in our thoughts & prayers during this difficult time. Tony, Robyn Crawford & family

  14. Pickar family, so sorry to hear about Jim’s passing, he was a good man, had a smile on his face and a nice giggle when i talked to him. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Carol & Dan Speicher & girls

  15. ROSIE, OUR PRAYER GO OUT TO THE PICKAR FAMILY AT THE LOSS OF YOUR LOVED ONE JIM. GOD BLESS YOU ALL MARGE & DAVE MAYO 1080 KELLY DR. NASHVILLE N.C. 27856

  16. My Name is Frank Hotchkiss.I lived a number of years with Sam Gerty Houser.They are my aunt and uncle.I am quite familiar with the Pickar family.Bernice and Art Houser were also my aunt and uncle.Iam sorry to here of Jims passing.I offer my condolence to all of his family. Fteamroper40@gmail.com

  17. Greetings Rosalie and children. Be assured of my prayers for Jim as he proceeds to a more happy place. He, together with each of you, lived a full life and was loved by all whom he met. Be sure he remains close to each of you from his new ‘perch’ in the Kingdom of Heaven. God bless. — Brother Andre Hotchkiss, SVD

  18. Sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. He was always willing to share about our common experiences with cancer and its treatments. We will be keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers. Louie and Linda Hugh

  19. Janet, Tony & Families. Sorry to hear of the loss of your father. We will keep your family in our thoughts and prayers. Kari Huffman

  20. Pickar family: Jim was a good man and a good friend. He will be remembered forever in our hearts. Someday we will join him in playing Euchre in Heaven. Norb, Joyce and John Kramer

  21. Rosie, Rick, Cindy and Janet, we were very sad to hear about Jim this a.m. He was a great guy and always had a comeback and quick wit. Our families had lots of good times over the past 48 yrs. and I know he will be missed, but we can remember his spirit and know that he is free from his earthly pain now. Daryl, Laure, Bridget and Lindsey Bouska

  22. Pickar Family, Sorry to hear of Jim’s passing but he is pain free and will be with our heavenly angels and praying for the rest of us. Vince & Wilma

  23. Janet, Tony and family, Sorry to hear of your loss but sure he is in a better place. Knowing he wsn’t going to get better. Sure God will find many jobs for him as he alway seemed to need to be busy. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Leonard and Norma

  24. Our Deepest Sympathy goes out to all the Pickar family, our prayers and thoughts are with you at this time of your loss. Jack Meissen Lyn and Chris Bruns


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