James Francis Rysavy, 70, Austin
Published 10:35 am Thursday, September 27, 2012
James Francis Rysavy, 70, of Austin, Minn., died Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2012, at Sacred Heart Care Center due to complications of multiple sclerosis.
James F. Rysavy
Jim lived with MS for 21 years. He was a resident at Sacred Heart for the past 10 years. During this time, he was an inspiration to everyone he met. Jim always kept his sense of humor through every new challenge and obstacle he faced.
Jim was born Oct. 9, 1941, in Owatonna, Minn., to Frank and Margaret (Kvasnicka) Rysavy. He graduated from Pacelli High School in 1959. Three months after high school, Jim enlisted in the United States Navy where he served as a Radar Technician aboard the aircraft carrier the USS Lexington. On June 25, 1966, Jim married the love of his life, Carol Garness, at St. Edward’s Catholic Church in Austin.
Jim was a muscle car enthusiast and was a proud member of the Thumpers Car Club of Austin until 1969. Before Jim was diagnosed with MS, he was employed by Hormel Foods. After retirement, Jim started ‘50s Flashback where he shared his love of music by providing entertainment for weddings, class reunions and other special events. While Jim was healthy, he enjoyed hunting, camping, riding his motorcycle and traveling with his wife and children to his favorite locations out West in their motorhome.
The memory of Jim’s smile and laughter will remain in our hearts forever.
Jim will be missed tremendously by his son, Tim Rysavy, Austin; daughters, Holly (Jeff) Majerus, Austin, Jenny (Mike) Loucks, Austin; grandchildren, Michael, Emily and Amanda Majerus; Tyler Rysavy; sisters, Delores Bauer, Louisville, Ky., Caroline (Les) Goergen, Adams, Minn., Mary Rysavy, Black Mountain, N.C.; brother, Rick (Mary) Rysavy, Grand Rapids, Minn.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Carol; parents, Frank and Margaret Rysavy.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 28, 2012, at St. Edward’s Catholic Church with Father Jim Steffes officiating. There will be a 7:30 p.m. wake service on Thursday at Mayer Funeral Home where friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. and also one hour before the service at the church on Friday. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery. Memorials are preferred to the Minnesota Chapter of the Multiple Sclerosis Society, Camp Courage or Catholic Charities.