Lyle "Jim" James Driemeyer

Mass of Christian Burial for Lyle “Jim” Driemeyer, Sr., 77, of Minneota, will be Friday, January 28, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Edward Catholic Church in Minneota. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church, and interment will follow at St. Edward Catholic Cemetery. A recording of the service will be available later at https://youtu.be/vLAIK7S6T7I.

Lyle James “Jim” Driemeyer, Sr. was born December 9, 1944, in Tyler, to Emmett and Violet (Soma) Driemeyer. He grew up and attended school in Tyler, where his family were members of the Christian Missionary Alliance. As a young man, Jim was introduced to Carol Caron by mutual friends. The couple was married on August 26, 1967, at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Marshall. Jim and Carol lived by Ghent and Marshall for a time, before moving to Minneota, where they lived for many years.

Jim kept busy, working road construction for McLaughlin Schulz for many years, and driving school bus during the winters on the off season. He also owned Jim’s Corral in downtown Minneota, where he repaired shoes and sold Western wear and horse equipment. He loved raising and taking care of his horses. After he closed the store downtown, Jim set up a shoe repair shop right outside their home, which he kept up with until the week of his death. He called himself a “Saver of Soles” and he enjoyed inviting friends to his “church” for “communion” every week…or maybe more than once a week! Jim was a member of the Minneota Fire Department for over 20 years, retiring in 1999. His favorite memories were time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren. Jim was also a talented woodworker, carving cars, trucks, and toys for family and friends.

Jim died on Saturday, January 22, 2022, at his home in Minneota, surrounded by family. He is survived by his wife Carol of Minneota; children Lyle Driemeyer Jr. of Yankton, SD, Byron (Michelle) Driemeyer of Alexandria, and Kathy “Kitty” (Kurt) Fezler of Prior Lake; grandchildren Emalee and Abigail Driemeyer and Kodi Fezler; brother Bob Driemeyer; sisters Ella Mae Klaudt and Betty Driemeyer; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Don Driemeyer, and sister Ione Eckdahl.