James "Jim" Henry DeCock

Click here to watch the recording of Jim's service: https://youtu.be/wD1lLXHSlC8

Mass of Christian Burial for James “Jim” DeCock, 87, of Minneota, will be Tuesday, February 7, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Edward Catholic Church in Minneota. Visitation will be Monday from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. at the church, with a Knights of Columbus Rosary at 4:00 p.m. and a prayer service at 6:30 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow the service at St. Edward Catholic Cemetery in Minneota.

James “Jim” DeCock, 87, passed peacefully on Wednesday, February 1, 2023, at his home in Madison Avenue Apartments in Minneota, MN, surrounded byhis family and God’s love.

Jim was born November 10, 1935, in Minneota, MN, the son of Henry and Lillian (Haugejorde) DeCock.  He attended St. Edward grade school inMinneota, MN and graduated from Minneota High School in 1953. He attended the University of MN for two years before moving back to Minneota to marry the love of his life Cornelia “Corky” Hirmer.

Jim and Corky were united in Marriage on June 30, 1956 at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Marshall, MN. Through this marriage they were blessed with 10 children, 27 grandchildren, 59 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

Jim had many jobs starting at 10 years old working at Roberg’s and Dero’s grocery stores in Minneota. The first job that opened the doors to where Jim ended up was at the Dero garage in Minneota. Jim then worked as a parts man for Joe Lad Chevrolet in Marshall. In 1962 Jim and Corky moved their family to Worthington,  where Jim was introduced to Zep Manufacturing by Gene Williams. A short time later Jim moved the family back to Minneota, where he had a great career selling Zep for 40 years. Jim retired on his 70th birthday. He was able to work for so long as he always said that it was not hard work when you get to visit your friends every day. This was very true, as Jim made friends wherever he went. Jim attended a Dale Carnegie course, “How to Win Friends and Influence People” early in life. He did this so well he could have written the book!

Jim’s faith in God, and his love for his family really showed in all aspects of his life. He had a way to make everyone feel special. This was one of the many gifts God gave him. Jim was a faithful servant at St. Edward church. His involvement included being the Parish Council President, CCD Teacher, church lector, volunteer for the Fall Festival including helping to build the carnival stands, was a member of the choir, and served as the St. Edward boys basketball coach for several years. Jim was also the Diocesan Board of

Education President and awarded the New Ulm Diocesan Distinguished Service Award.

Jim was also very active in his community. He was a charter member of the Minneota Lions Club starting in 1981 where his leadership involvement included President and The Leader Dog. Jim was also on community boards to help build the Minneota Community Pool and Minneota Country Club. Jim was a recipient of the Community Member of the Year from the Minneota

Rotary. Jim also volunteered for over 40 years in the crow’s nest as a spotter during the Minneota High School Football games.

Jim and Corky loved to travel and went on many trips with family throughout the years. They also enjoyed many years wintering in Texas. Jim loved to entertain and was the best host. Jim loved to play all types of cards, as well as golfing.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 66 years Corky, daughter Mary (Jim) Myhre of Minneota; daughter Janice (Ken) Noyes of Marshall; daughter Cathy (Paul) Veiseth of Spencer, IA; son David of Marshall; daughter Beth (Jeff) Danberry of Mankato; son John (Denise) DeCock of North Mankato; daughter Ann Przymus of Minneota; daughter Julie (Tom) Hager of Rochester; son Pat (Lori) DeCock of Maple Grove; and son Paul (Dani) DeCock of Salisbury, MD, and 26 grandchildren, 57 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great-grandchildren. Jim is also survived by brother Bob DeCock of Antioch, CA; brother Jerry (Judy) DeCock of Gardenerville, NV; sister Pat Eubank of Whitesville, KY; sister Janice (Dennis) Hunter of Eagan; sisters-in-law Dorothy Smith, Spokane, WA; Monica Hoof,

Marshall; Cathy Louwagie, Marshall.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents Henry and Lillian DeCock; mother and father in-law Cora and Philip Hirmer; brother and sister in-law Vince and Marge DeCock; sister Patricia DeCock; brother-in-law Don Eubank; sister-in-law Bernie DeCock; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law John and Claire Hirmer; Robert and Carol Hirmer; Philip and Tillie Hirmer; Alfred and Fern

Hirmer; Bernard and Mildred Hirmer; Francis and Cliff Welden; Mary Ellen and Russ Gorrell; brothers-in-law, George Louwagie, Robert Hoof, Jack Smith; and great-grandson Riley Sorensen.

The family would like to thank Avera Hospice for their outstanding care and compassion! In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to St. Edward’s Catholic School or Avera Hospice.