James Russell Hoiland was born to Obert and Alma (Olson) Hoiland in Luverne, Minnesota. He was raised on a farm southeast of Luverne. He attended country school through the eighth grade and then attended and graduated from Luverne High School in 1953. During school, Jim loved math and shop class. He also played the saxophone and marched in the very first Tri-State Band Festival.
Following graduation, Jim entered the United States National Guard where he honorably served as a cook from 1956-1962.
In addition to serving his country, Jim began working in carpentry construction. He went on to build many houses in Luverne and the surrounding area.
On February 17, 1957, Jim was united in marriage to Lorena Kindt at Zion Lutheran Church in Hardwick, Minnesota. Jim built their family home in 1958. In 1970 Jim switched career paths and went into farming full time as he and his brother Roger took over the family operation. In January 1997 Jim and Lorena moved into a house in Luverne.
Jim remained active on the farm. He also continued his passion for gardening. He always made a point to share his bounty of vegetable produce intentionally with others in the community throughout his life. He also enjoyed spending time fishing, both on the open water and ice fishing.
Later in life, he offered advice whenever able to his son and grandson in their businesses.
In May of 2023, Jim suffered a mild heart attack. A short time later, he was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. On Tuesday, June 20, 2023, while at the Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Jim went to be with his Lord at the age of 88 years, three months and 25 days.
Jim was a lifetime member of Bethany Lutheran Church in Luverne. He was proud to have used his carpentry skills to build the education addition for the church in 1967.
He served the church in nearly all capacities during his life and held many offices. He was a school board member for numerous years for the Magnolia, Minnesota, school district. He was a member of the Kompen Cottage Crew where this Norwegian treat was made and enjoyed. As he loved snowmobiling, Jim was a former member of the Rock County Snowmasters. He enjoyed fishing and especially enjoyed the trips he made to Lake Minnewaska and to Canada. Jim will be remembered for his notable saying, “Well sure!”, and his private, but very generous nature.
Jim is lovingly survived by his wife, Lorena; four children, Cheryl (Mark) Laleman of Cottonwood, Minnesota, Marcia (Hank) Bayne of Sioux Falls, Julie (Trevor) Hansen of Bellevue, Nebraska, and Michael (Lynette) Hoiland of Luverne; 13 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and numerous other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Obert and Alma Hoiland, and a brother, Roger Hoiland.
A funeral service was held Monday, June 26, at Bethany Lutheran Church. Burial followed at Maplewood Cemetery in Luverne. To view Jim’s life tribute video or funeral service, please visit www.hartquistfuneral.com. Arrangements were under the care of Hartquist Funeral Home.