Jimmy Kelsheimer
1938 - 2024
Jimmy Kelsheimer, age 85, of Anthon passed away on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at MercyOne Siouxland Medical Center of Sioux City.
Visitation with a prayer service was held on Sunday, April 14, 2024, at the Anthon Church of Christ.
A Funeral Service was held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, April 15, 2024, at the Anthon Church of Christ of Anthon. Kody Killian and Clif Cockburn officiated. Honor Guard and Final Call by Anthon Fire & Rescue immediately followed the service.
The Armstrong - Van Houten Funeral Home of Anthon was in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online www.armstrongfuneral.com.
Jimmy was born on August 17, 1938, at home on the family farm in rural Woodbury County. His parents were William and Ethel (Eyer) Kelsheimer, and he grew up on the family farm southeast of Anthon.
Jimmy went to school through the 8th grade at the Country School located by Anthon; he always said he would rather be at home with his mom because the teacher yelled at him. In his teen years, Jim was quite the cowboy, showing city slickers how to find missing cattle in the hills of the Anthon and Oto area along with his cousin Bob.
Jimmy married the love of his life, Shirline Sands on August 24, 1958, at the Anthon Church of Christ. Together they were blessed with three children, Debra, Jamie, and Troy. Jim worked at Hamann & Sauser Implement for 40 years - driving truck, working as a mechanic and as parts manager. Jim also drove truck for Jebro for over 16 years; he also helped train new drivers and earned his million miles driven award. Jim was a lifelong member of the Anthon Church of Christ, serving as past elder and deacon. Jim volunteered for over 30 years on the Anthon Fire & Rescue squads, both as a fireman and an ambulance driver. Jim served on the 911 and Landfill Boards and for two terms on the Anthon City Council, helping plan the 125th celebration and the Bomberdash, he also helped bring a new shelter house to the town park. He loved volunteering at the food bank, the gates of the Woodbury County Fair, and the Woodbury County Tractor Club. He recently bought a couple older International tractors for his sons, enjoying his final tractor ride with Jamie and Troy last year.
Jim loved dirt track racing, going to races for many years and then getting to watch his sons race in the late 80s and the last two years watching his grandson Derek. He enjoyed watching Nascar (both live and on TV), the Little League World Series every year, and traveling to Texas to visit his granddaughters. The last several years, once the weather turned nice, you would find him riding his three-wheel bike at Little Sioux Park or around the streets of Anthon with a friendly wave and stopping to talk to everyone. He sure loved Anthon! But his greatest joy came from his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He loved nothing more than time spent with family, it meant everything to him.
Jimmy is survived by his wife Shirline. Children Debra Osborn (Dave Fowler) of Wills Point, TX, her daughter Sarah (Chad) Burks and their children Konner and Zane Posigian, and Bryson of Canton, TX. Jamie (Tina) Kelsheimer of Windom, MN and their children Kelsey (Ryan) Dice and their children Kamryn, Jase, & Kaylin of Elk Point, SD, Derek (Destiny) Kelsheimer and their son Gannon of Windom, MN, and Jaden Kelsheimer and her fiancé Alvarez James of Sioux City. Troy (Nikki) Kelsheimer of Climbing Hill and their children Brittany (Ti) Taukeiaho and their children Brooklynn, Harper, and Emma, Anissa (Adam) Bolster of Carroll and their daughter Calliope, Tyler (Michaela) Kelsheimer of Anthon and their daughter Jolie, and a son coming in July. He is also survived by his sister Vera Baldwin and many nieces and nephews.
Waiting for Jimmy in Heaven are his parents, 6 siblings and their spouses, granddaughters Torie Kelsheimer (infancy), and Dedria Eddy.