James R Coquyt

Mass of Christian Burial for James “Jim” Coquyt, 79, of Milroy, will be at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 31, at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Marshall. Visitation is on Wednesday, October 30, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Rehkamp Horvath Funeral Home in Marshall. A parish prayer service will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday with a rosary to follow. Visitation will continue from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home the day of the service. Private family interment will be at St. Michael’s Catholic Cemetery in Milroy. James “Jim” Ramie Coquyt died unexpectedly on October 26, 2019 at the Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center. He was born on June 24, 1940, in Minneota, to Charles and Mary (DeRuyck) Coquyt. He grew up in Minneota and was on the first Canby Wrestling team. He graduated from Canby High School in 1958. While there, he met his high school sweetheart, Julane "Janie" Sickels. James and Julane were united in marriage on December 3, 1960, in Culver City, California, while Jim was enlisted in the U.S. Navy. After completing his enlistment, the couple moved to South Dakota, then to Indiana and finally settled in Milroy, MN. In Minnesota, they raised veal and starter calves for 24 years and Jim was the sole proprietor of Jim’s Painting and Decorating and never fully retired. Jim’s first love was Janie, followed closely by his six children, nineteen grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. It wasn’t uncommon to see Jim playing seasonal sports with anyone who was interested in a little friendly competition. During the summer months, Jim was a devoted gardener, landscaper, and overall outdoorsman. Jim and Janie could usually be found at the Walnut Grove Campground surrounded by their loving family playing bean bags, Frisbee golf (frolf), enjoying good food and companionship. The winter months brought endless competitions of Tic, Parcheesi, Carbels, and the annual Survivor bets. Jim and Janie “donated” regularly to the local casinos with family and classmates. Jim will always be remembered for his quick-wit, humorous stories and being a devoted fan of his children’s and grandchildren’s various activities. He was warm, kind, generous, giving and humble. His family will forever hold him in their hearts. He is survived by his wife, Janie and remaining to carry on his legacy are his six children and their families: Julie (Tom) Dolan, their children Eric (Sara) and Jessica (Cory Schmidt) of Marshall; Kathy (Joe) Van Moer, their children, Andrea (Josh Schreier), Bernard, and Gavin of Tracy; Mike (Brenda) Coquyt, their children, Zach, Nick, Jason, and Abby of Willmar; Tom (Denise) Coquyt, their children, Jake (Alyssa), Luke, Jack, and Cami of Woodbury; Mandy (Travis) Christenson, their children Aftyn, Caitlyn, and Lincoln of Marshall; and Pat (Alissa) Coquyt and their children Payton, Quinn, and Chase of Jackson; seven great-grandchildren Alli, Thomas James, Emily, Ethan, Noah, Levi, and Elliot; sister Rita Stoks of Canby; sisters and brothers-in-law, Lorraine (Hank) Goblish, Marlene (Larry) Winters, Bob (Sheryl) Sickels, Marcie Mead; and numerous nieces and nephews. Eagerly greeting him at Heaven’s gate are his parents, Charles and Mary Coquyt, two brothers Wally Coquyt and Ray “Lem” Coquyt, along with his sisters and brothers-in-law, Donnie Stoks, Marie Coquyt, Bill Sickels and Edie (Lee) Foos. Blessed be his beautiful soul.