Cardinals cap flag football regular season at 4-4
By Charlie Sorrells
Web Prep Writer
AUSTIN – The Fairmont girls flag football team has resembled a phoenix more than a cardinal during the second half of its eight-game regular season this spring.
After opening the Minnesota Vikings-sponsored prep sport’s second-ever campaign with a 1-3 overall record, quarterback Audrina Suckow, receiver Adriana Leiding, line defender Maya Earhart and defensive back Allissa Moore have delivered top-10 individual performances to help the Cardinals close the regular season with three wins in the last four games.
Fairmont dropped a 34-19 decision to unbeaten New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva (8-0) in Sunday’s initial game in Austin before outdueling Waterville-Elysian-Morristown in a back-and-forth shootout, 32-26, in Game 2 to improve to 4-4 overall.
The Cardinals netted the District 4, Gold Division’s No. 3 seed and will open the playoffs against Purple Division No. 2 seed Lakeville North at 6:30 PM Sunday, May 31, in Waterville. Gold champion NRHEG plays Purple Division No. 4 seed Lakeville South at 5:30 PM in their postseason opener at 5:30 PM May 31.
In the lower half of District 4, Farmington plays Austin in a 5:30 PM opener, followed by WEM battling FIT Academy of Apple Valley at 6:30 PM in opening-round action. The District 4 semifinals are scheduled for 7:30 PM, with the championship round slated for 8:30 PM. All of the District 4 games will be played May 31 in Waterville.
“Our girls have done a great job of making adjustments to everything we (coaching staff) have thrown at them during the last couple of weeks to get back to .500,” said Fairmont head coach Mat Mahoney, whose lineup compiled a 6-3 overall mark during the sport’s debut in 2025.
Suckow, who’s thrown for 1,468 yards and 21 TDs this spring, scorched the airwaves by connecting on 78% of her passes – 28 of 36 – en route to a game-best 207 yards and five touchdowns to help Fairmont outlast the WEM Bucs by six points during their back-and-forth clash on Sunday.
Suckow bookended Game 8 of the regular season – which featured seven lead changes – with TD strikes to the sure-handed Leiding to exit Wescott Field’s artificial surface with a win.
Leiding – who’s garnered 86 receptions for 685 yards and nine TDs in 2026 – capped a seven-play scoring drive with a 5-yard catch from Suckow with only 25 seconds remaining to erase a 26-25 deficit. The two Cardinal standouts combined skills again for the 1-point conversion.
Leiding, who finished Sunday’s two-game span with 31 catches for 233 yards, pocketed her second of four TDs on the split twinbill via a 5-yard spiral from Suckow during the opening series of the first half. Fairmont’s senior quarterback then zipped a 1-point conversion pass to Leiding for a 7-0 lead.
Allissa Moore, who ranks among the state leaders with 8 interceptions, pocketed an Alenka Jans’ spiral for one of her two defensive gems on the weekend near midfield and returned it to the Bucs’ 11 to put the Cardinal offense back in business.
WEM’s Kalyn Novak, however, returned the favor and then some by intercepting Suckow at the goal line and sprinting 50 yards for a pick-6 score three snaps later. Novak also caught the 1-point pass from Jans for the game’s only tie at 7-all.
Leiding delivered a 4-yard scoring reception from Suckow for a 13-7 lead for Fairmont before Jans launched a 45-yard TD missile to Kalyn Novak to even the score. Jans then connected with Brooklyn Novak for the conversion pass at 14-13 lead.
With time winding down, Suckow found Moore for a pivotal 16-yard TD in the right corner of end zone to swing a 19-14 lead back to the Cardinals with less than a minute remaining before halftime.
Jans and Kalyn Novak answered again for the Bucs to open the second half – this time from 9 yards out – for a 20-19 edge. Moore elevated to haul in a 4-yard scoring spiral from Suckow to regain the lead at 25-20, but WEM would counter again.
Kalyn Novak – who finished with eight catches for 120 yards – pulled in her third TD of the game from 3 yards out to cling to a 26-25 lead. Suckow then utilized Kate Hagen and Leiding to march the length of the field before spotting Leiding for a 5-yard TD completion. The two connected again for the 1-point conversion before Moore iced the win with her second interception of the game with 5 seconds remaining.
In Sunday’s opener, Quinn Vanmaldeghem discovered five different methods to generate points in power the Gold Division champion NHREG Panthers to a 34-19 triumph over Fairmont at Wescott Field in Austin.
Vanmaldeghem scored on a 20-yard run, caught a 29-yard TD pass from quarterback Gabby Schlaak, tossed a 2-point conversion pass to Ezra Boerner, returned the final one of her game-best three interceptions for a 30-yard TD and then corraled a 1-point conversion throw from Schlaak.
Vanmaldeghem added a 6-yard scoring catch from Schlaak and another six-pointer via a 3-yard throw from Schlaak during the second half to finish with all five of the Panthers’ TDs. Boerner added a 1-point conversion reception from Schlaak.
Vanmaldeghem’s initial pick-off set up her 29-yard score to extend NRHEG’s lead to 14-0 before Fairmont answered with Suckow’s 5-yard scoring connection with Leiding. Moore grabbed the 1-point conversion throw from Suckow to pare the Cardinals’ deficit in half with 5 minutes to go before intermission. Suckow tipped away Schlaak’s last-second toss toward the end zone to prevent the Panthers from scoring just prior to the break.
The two teams combined to reel off four consecutive scoring drives after Vanmaldeghem’s interception and solid secondary coverage by Chloe Darnell, Moore, Earhart and Maddie Johnson thwarted the second half’s initial three possessions.
Suckow inched the Cardinals within 14-13 on a 23-yard zipped TD pass to Hagen before Schlaak responded with a 6-yard scoring spiral to Vanmaldeghem. Schlaak hit Boerner for a 1-pointer and 21-13 margin for NRHEG.
Suckow then completed passes to Kylee Desjarlais for 11 and 10 yards before spotting Leiding for 4 and 5 more, respectively, to reach the 10. Suckow weaved through traffic to find the end zone on the next snap for a 21-19 lead.
Vanmaldeghem and Schlaak created breathing room on the scoreboard by answering with a 3-yard TD connection on the heels of Schlaak’s 20-yard spiral to Nora Flatness. Vanmaldeghem then sealed the Panthers’ win with a pick-6 from 30 yards out and caught the ensuing conversion pass from Schlaak.
*
(Game 1)
NRHEG 14-20–34
Fairmont 7-12–19
Scoring Plays
1st Half
NRHEG: Quinn Vanmaldeghem 20 run (conversion failed).
NRHEG: Vanmaldeghem 29 pass from Gabby Schlaak (Ezra Boerner 2-point pass from Vanmaldeghem).
FHS: Adriana Leiding 5 pass from Audrina Suckow (Allissa Moore 1-point pass from Suckow).
2nd Half
FHS: Kate Hagen 23 pass from Suckow (conversion failed).
NRHEG: Vanmaldeghem 6 pass from Schlaak (Boerner 1-point pass from Schlaak).
FHS: Suckow 10 run (conversion failed).
NRHEG: Vanmaldeghem 3 pass (conversion failed).
NRHEG: Vanmaldeghem 30-yard interception return (Vanmaldeghem 1-point pass from Schlaak).
*
TEAM STATISTICS
Passing (Comp-Att-Int-Yards): Fairmont 25-33-3-235 & 2 TDs; NRHEG 15-28-0-168 & 3 TDs. Rushing: NRHEG 9-83 & 1 TD; Fairmont 8-31 & 1 TD. First downs: Fairmont 6; NRHEG 6.
*
INDIVIDUAL STATS
Offense: Passing: Audrina Suckow (FHS) 25-35-3-235 & 2 TDs; Gabby Schlaak (NRHEG) 13-23-0-149 & 3 TDs, Quinn Vanmaldeghem (NRHEG) 2-5-0-19. Receiving: Fairmont: Adriana Leiding 15-117 & 1 TD, Kate Hagen 6-72 & 1 TD, Kylee Desjarlais 3-34, Allissa Moore 1-12. NRHEG: Quinn Vanmaldeghem 5-57 & 3 TDs, Nora Flatness 4-47, Gabby Schlaak 2-19. Rushing: Quinn Vanmaldeghem (NRHEG) 4-40 & 1 TD. Fairmont: Audrina Suckow 5-15 & 1 TD, Adriana Leiding 2-12, Allissa Moore 1-4.
Defense: Interceptions: Quinn Vanmaldeghem (NRHEG) 3. Flags Captured: Fairmont: Maya Earhart 7; Chloe Darnell and Maddie Johnson 5 each; Allissa Moore, Leamonie Wilson and Eya Kotewa 2 each.
**
(Game 2)
Waterville-EM 14-12–26
Fairmont 19-13–32
Scoring Plays
1st Half
FHS: Adriana Leiding 5 pass from Audrina Suckow (Leiding 1-point pass from Suckow).
WEM: Kalyn Novak 50-yard interception return (K. Novak 1-point pass from Alenka Jans).
FHS: Leiding 4 pass from Suckow (conversion failed).
WEM: K. Novak 45 pass from Jans (Brooklyn Novak 1-point pass from Jans).
FHS: Allissa Moore 16 pass from Suckow (conversion failed).
2nd Half
WEM: K. Novak 9 pass from Jans (conversion failed).
FHS: Moore 4 pass from Suckow (conversion failed).
WEM: K. Novak 3 pass from Jans (conversion failed).
FHS: Leiding 5 pass from Suckow (Leiding 1-point pass from Suckow).
*
TEAM STATISTICS
Passing (Comp-Att-Int-Yards): Fairmont 28-36-1-207 & 5 TDs; WEM 15-25-2-176 & 3 TDs. Rushing: Fairmont 7-43; WEM 4-18. First downs: Fairmont 5; WEM 3.
*
INDIVIDUAL STATS
Offense: Passing: Audrina Suckow (FHS) 28-36-1-207 & 5 TDs; Alenka Jans (WEM) 15-25-2-176 & 3 TDs. Receiving: Kalyn Novak (WEM) 8-120 & 3 TDs. Fairmont: Adriana Leiding 16-116 & 3 TDs, Kate Hagen 8-53, Allissa Moore 2-20 & 2 TDs, Chloe Darnell 2-18. Rushing: Jans (WEM) 1-10. Fairmont: Suckow 2-23, Leiding 4-15, Moore 1-5.
Defense: Interceptions: Allissa Moore (FHS) 2; Kalyn Novak (WEM) 1. Flags Captured: Fairmont: Maya Earhart 6; Allissa Moore, Maddie Johnson and Audrina Suckow 3 each; Eya Kotewa and Chloe Darnell 1 each.
2026 FLAG FOOTBALL
SURE HANDS:
Fairmont’s Adriana Leiding (2) elevates to catch a pass while running a pregame drill against teammates Allissa Moore (far left), Leamonie Wilson (5), Maddie Johnson (30) and Maya Earhart (far right) during Week 4 of the flag football season on Sunday in Austin. (Photo by Charlie Sorrells)
FLAG FOOTBALL OPENS SEASON APRIL 26
2026 FLAG FOOTBALL
Team Members Include
Front row l to r: Feven Hoyer, Audrina Suckow, Wendy Medina Ambrosio, Maya Earhart, Chloe Darnell, Adriana Leiding. Second row: Kate Hagen, Leamonie Wilson, Raelynn Meyerdirk, Madilynn Johnson, Krystal Paz, Kandy Paz. Third row: Kylee Desjarlais, Elizabeth Hart,
Elizabeth Kotewa, Joslyn Meyer, Saida Parra Perez, Allissa Moore. Back row: Coaches Courtney Schoellerman, Ashley Scheevel, Brad Johnson, Mat Mahoney.
GAME TIMES 4:00 P.M. AND 5:00 P.M
Playoff Recap - Cardinals 14, Titans 21
TCU fends off late Long-led FHS comeback in 3AAA clash
By Charlie Sorrells
Prep Sports Writer
MONTGOMERY – The backyard scenario of youth – the underdog Cardinals trailing the Titans by 7 points, facing one last 80-yard march to a heroic touchdown, and no timeouts with less than 2 minutes to go.
Fairmont quarterback Joe Long zipped a clutch 26-yard pass to Phoenix-esque receiver Tavian Harvey to convert a fourth-and-12 at their own 44, Harvey displayed his stellar vertical leap to snare a 14-yarder from Long to convert a fourth-and-14 at Tri-City United’s 42, a 10-yard Long-to-Merritt Pomerenke connection and Long’s narrow-window 28-yard fling to Brayden Williamson to the Titans’ 4. A fourth and final quarterback spike to barely freeze the time at 3 seconds remaining.
Unfortunately for No. 5 seed Fairmont, No. 4 seed TCU received its own storybook ending as linebacker Toren Kelly’s perfectly-angled defensive run to the pylon denied Long’s near-heroic sprint-and-stretch scramble just mere inches short of the goal line as time elapsed.
Kelly’s game-saving stop, combined with both an offensive and defensive touchdown by Parker O’Malley, held off Long and the Cardinals’ incredible cardiac comeback, 21-14, in Tuesday night’s unforgettable Section 3AAA quarterfinal football clash in Montgomery.
TCU (4-5) advances to face No. 1 seed and unbeaten Waseca (8-0) in a 2 PM sectional semifinal Saturday in Waseca. The Bluejays earned a first-round postseason bye.
“We may have lost tonight’s game, but it was NOT for a lack of effort. Our guys played their hearts out and I’m so proud of them,” said Fairmont mentor Mat Mahoney, whose team ended the season with a 4-5 overall record. “Life is filled with opportunities – they (TCU) just made the most out of one more than we did in the end.”
O’Malley did exactly that to account for the playoff opener’s only TD of a defensive-oriented first half with 5:59 remaining before intermission. After Fairmont defensive stalwarts Owen Terfehr, Nolan Anderson, Ty Tumbleson, Tyler Bicknase, Mathew Martin and Reed Johnson combined to prevent TCU from breaking the plane of the goal line on four consecutive “and-goal” opportunites from the 1-yard line to regain possession, the Titans delivered a defensive gem of their own.
“I don’t know who exactly knocked the football loose, but I saw it come out of the pile and just grabbed it in the end zone for the touchdown,” O’Malley said in reference to his 6-point fumble recovery with 5:59 left in the second quarter. Titus Krauss kicked the PAT for a 7-0 TCU lead.
Unfortunately for Fairmont, its opening third-quarter possession went awry as the visitors were forced to punt after a three-and-out series and an errant long snap to the kicker allowed TCU to set up its offense at the 50.
Facing a fourth-and-4 at the Cardinals’ 34, Titans’ head coach Matt Collins opted to go for the key first down. Quarterback Kellen Jirik rolled left and lofted a pass to O’Malley along the home team’s sideline. The Cardinal defender slipped on a soggy grass-turned-mud patch as O’Malley caught Jirik’s pass and sprinted the 34-yard distance for his second TD of the playoff game. Krauss’ kick made it 14-0 with 6:02 left in the third segment.
“Down by 14, we needed a huge play and Joe Long really stepped up for us during the next series,” said Mahoney.
After Long hit Tavian Harvey for one of his game-leading nine receptions for 12 of his game-best 130 yards, Fairmont’s senior quarterback motored around left end, broke two tackles and left nothing but a vapor trail en route to a pivotal 59-yard TD run. Long then fired a 2-point conversion pass to Nolan Anderson to trim the Cardinals’ gap to 14-8 with 4:49 left in the third quarter.
Running back Keegan O’Meara answered for TCU during the next possession by generating 54 of his game-best 81 rushing yards on four carries to ignite the Titans’ nine-play, 84-yard scoring drive. O’Meara’s 29-yard slashing sweep run and tip-toe balance to just slip inside the pylon for the TD extended the Titans’ lead to 21-8 with 11:49 remaining in regulation.
The two defenses kept the game scoreless until Williamson’s 17-yard punt return put Fairmont in business at the Titans’ 47 with less than 4 minutes remaining. Long and Tavian Harvey worked their magic through the air by connecting for a 10-yarder, 25-yarder and finally, a 12-yarder for a TD with 3:16 remaining. The 2-point conversion pass failed to keep the score at 21-14 and eventually led to the Cardinals’ near-heroic downfield march against all odds.
Long threw for a game-best 157 yards and one TD, while topping Fairmont’s rushing charts with 65 more yards and a score.
Mathew Martin recovered a fumble for Fairmont, while O’Meara and O’Malley did likewise for TCU.
FHS 0 0 8 6 – 14
TCU 0 7 7 7 – 21
SCORING PLAYS
1st Quarter
No Scoring.
2nd Quarter
TCU: Parker O’Malley fumble recovery in end zone (Titus Krauss kick), 5:59.
3rd Quarter
TCU: Parker O’Malley 34 pass from Kellen Jirik (Titus Krauss kick), 6:02.
FHS: Joe Long 59 run (Nolan Anderson pass from Joe Long), 4:49.
4th Quarter
TCU: Keegan O’Meara 29 run (Titus Krauss kick), 11:49.
FHS: Tavian Harvey 12 pass from Joe Long (pass failed), 3:16.
TEAM STATISTICS
First Downs: Fairmont 10; TCU 8. Rushing: TCU 44-138; Fairmont 23-87. Passing: Fairmont 13-35-0-157; TCU 2-3-0-38. Fumbles-lost: Fairmont 4-2; TCU 3-1. Penalties: Fairmont 8-75; TCU 2-30.
INDIVIDUAL STATS
Offense: Rushing: Joe Long (FHS) 13-65; Keegan O’Meara (TCU) 9-81. Passing: Joe Long (FHS) 13-34-0-157; Kellen Jirik (TCU) 2-3-0-38. Receiving: Tavian Harvey (FHS) 9-130; Parker O’Malley (TCU) 1-34.
Defense: Fumble recoveries: Mathew Martin (FHS); Parker O’Malley (TCU) and Keegan O’Meara (TCU).
The Fairmont Area Football Team
2025 FAIRMONT CARDINALS FOOTBALL TEAM:
- Front Row: Draden Beebe, Gavin Schomberg, Carter Hansen, Adam Denson, Wyatt McGowan, Brayden Pooley, Carl Winnery Ebon, Brayden Williamson, Lucas Kotewa
- Second Row: Chase Birr, Allen Szafryk, Jacob Porter, Keyon Schutz, Asst. Coach Jesse Walters, Asst. Coach Brian Wille, Head Coach Mat Mahoney, Asst. Coach Brad Johnson, Asst. Coach Shawn Chambers, Caiden Utesch, Brock Rodning, Landen Traetow, Hogan Artz, Ben Sunken
- Third Row: Clay Mitchell, Ryan Szafryk, Mac Anderson, Owen Terfehr, Lucas Johnson, Luther Malo, Jordan Thompson, Aaris White, Kayden Williams, Jacob Ehlert, Merritt Pomerenke, Mason Bicknase, Mason Ingvoldstad, Dayton Draper, Ethan Darnell, Hunter Sommer
- Fourth Row: Caine Gronewald, Mathew Martin, Ethan Farnum, Travohn Harvey, Alex Frederikson, Max Nielsen, Benet Mathiason, Joe Long, Tavian Harvey, Dakota Wiley
- Fifth Row: Cole Brockmann, Tyler Bicknase, Preston Geerdes, Reed Johnson, DJ Miller, Nolan Anderson, Caiden Wickert, Aaron Becker, Kaiden Bell
(Photo courtesy of Randy Chirpich/Fairmont Sports)
_________________________________
Welcome
We would like to invite you to become part of the Cardinal football program in Fairmont by participating on a tackle football team in the fall. 2024 marks the 19th year of tackle football for 4th, 5th, and 6th grade boys. The results have been very positive for the boys involved. They had fun, learned principles of teamwork and sportsmanship, and began developing the fundamental skills of football.
RULES AND GOALS
- To Develop Fundamental Football Skills
- To Work and Play as a Team, NOT as an Individual
- To Have FUN at Practices and Games
- To Do Our Best at ALL Times
- To Maintain Good Sportsmanship at ALL Times
ELEMENTARY FOOTBALL REGISTRATION & INFORMATION
Registration is Open
15th Annual Fairmont Football Golf Fund-raiser Fri., Aug. 8
By Charlie Sorrells Fairmont Football Association Contributor
FAIRMONT – If one’s looking to ‘get their steps in’ while helping the Fairmont Cardinal football program continue to thrive, then break out the golf clubs and head to Interlaken Golf Club in Fairmont on Friday, Aug. 8.
The Fairmont Area Football Association will hold its 15th annual golf fund-raiser, which tees off via a 1 p.m. shotgun start. Golfers registering prior to the Sunday, July 20, deadline will receive a quarter-zip Cardinal pull-over the day of the event. Players can sign up at the association’s website – www.fairmontareafootball.com – and pay the best-ball event’s entry fee by Paypal, Venmo or credit card. Anyone registering prior to the July 20 deadline should list their pull-over size on the entry form.
Proceeds
All proceeds from the annual tournament go toward purchasing concussion-protocol helmets; youth football programs’ gear; varsity practice jerseys; and new scoreboards for both the Fairmont elementary field and the high school’s practice facility. The in-house funds also will help defray costs for improvements to Thomas Mahoney Field – along with expenses for weekly meals and after-game food for the players – and provide funding for scholarships for camps. “The golf outing has evolved into a major fund-raiser in terms of making sure ‘our shelves are stocked,’ so to speak, for each upcoming football season at every level of the program,” said Fairmont head football coach/activities director Mat Mahoney.
Silent Auction
“There are a lot of moving parts to the golf tournament, and without all the important people organizing it, making generous donations in sponsoring the event, and of course, all of the alumni and area supporters playing in the outing, we wouldn’t be able to maintain our program’s tradition of excellence on the field and in the classroom.” The 15th annual golf outing will feature a silent auction, door prizes and hole prizes throughout the 18 holes of play. “Each and every contribution counts more than we realize and all are greatly appreciated,” said Mat Mahoney. “Businesses and/or individuals can be a major sponsor, sponsor a hole or be a green-or-tee sponsor, and also can make monetary or product donations.”
Lunch - Burger Bar
Fairmont Cardinal football fans also can support the program’s fund-raising effort by purchasing a Cardinal Card that features numerous discounts by area businesses on their products andservices. If any football supporter misses the July 20 registration deadline, one can still play by either signing up online or can pay a walk-up fee on the day of the golf outing at noon on August 8. A lunch of cheesy chicken sandwiches, chips, cookie and a drink will be served for lunch at noon that day, with a burger bar featured after the outing. Current Fairmont Cardinal football players will be on the Interlaken Golf Course to assist with any of the event’s contests and the players’ golf bags. The Fairmont Cardinals earned its 13th overall state appearance and seventh under Mat Mahoney’s leadership en route to an overall record of 8-3 last fall.
Fairmont coaching legend Jim Simser passes away
By Charlie Sorrells
Fairmont Football Association Contributor
FAIRMONT – From an early age, we are taught that death is inevitable. What each individual does with one’s unknown allotted time on earth is the key to life.
When I learned of Jim Simser’s passing from Fairmont High School activities director and head football coach Mat Mahoney on Friday afternoon, my heart sank even though I knew the former FHS athletic director and legendary Cardinal football mentor’s time with us was drawing to a close.
While the grief I felt for my own personal loss of the man I simply called “Coach” made a tear roll down my cheek, the one consolation I possessed was having the chance to have known him for more than half of my life in my job as a sports writer.
I remember his firm handshake, genuine smile and gentlemanly demeanor when I first met him when he accepted the inevitable task of replacing one of the Minnesota prep football rank’s greatest coaches of all-time in Thomas Mahoney on the Fairmont sideline in the fall of 1990.
“Sports writer – hmmm. Heard you cover games from the sideline. There is a press box, you know,” said Simser, who raised his eyebrows in jest before grinning. “Earn that position and it’s yours.”
For the next 10 fall seasons, I felt privileged to watch the former New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva coaching great evolve into a legend in Fairmont football lore. His coaching style was unique – reserved and respectful while knowledgeable and confident all at the same time.
Prior to his arrival in Fairmont, he had guided New Richland-Hartland to four state appearances, including the Class ‘C’ championship in 1976 and the Class ‘B’ crown in 1978, and was tabbed the 1978 Minnesota Coach of the Year for his coaching prowess. He also served as the Minnesota Football Coaches Association’s executive secretary for numerous years after accepting the role in 1986.
He added three more state bids to his Hall of Fame coaching resume from 1990-99, engineering the Cardinals’ first-ever appearance in the Class ‘A’ state semifinals at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis in 1992 before reaching the quarterfinals in back-to-back style in 1996 and 1997. He also led Fairmont to five South Central Conference championships during his 10-year tenure.
While he closed out his esteemed 32-year high school football coaching career with a 223-91-1 record to earn his rightful places in the Minnesota Football Coaches Association’s Hall of Fame in 2000 and the Fairmont Athletic Hall of Fame in 2015, he took great solace in being a beloved husband, father, coach, teacher and friend.
While the love of his life for half of a century, Winn Ann, passed away in the fall of 2013, Jim is survived by four sons – Bill, Mike, Mark and Dave – and their respective families.
A mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 AM Friday, Oct. 25, at St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Fairmont, with military honors to take place afterward. Burial will be held at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis. Jim honorably served a tour of duty with the U.S. Navy in the Pacific after graduating with his bachelor’s degree from Mankato State University in 1961.
Visitation will take place from 4-7 PM Thursday, Oct. 24, at Lakeview Funeral Home in Fairmont, and one hour prior to services at the church on Friday.
Thank you for your integrity, kindness, witty humor and insight into what’s truly important in life.
Rest in peace, “Coach.”