Service Information
James “Moose” Eilrich, age 68, of Ely and formerly of Gaylord, Minnesota, passed away on Sunday, June 4, 2023, at his son’s home in Lonsdale, Minnesota.
Memorial Service will be Tuesday, June 13, 2023, 11:00 A.M. at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Gaylord with interment in St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery, Arlington Township, Sibley County, Minnesota, at a later date.
Gathering of Family and Friends will be from 9:00 A.M.-11:00 A.M., 2 hours prior, ALL at church.
Obituary
James “Moose” Paul Eilrich was born on December 9, 1954, in Gaylord, Minnesota. He was the son of Paul and Gladys (Harder) Eilrich. James was baptized as an infant on December 26, 1954, and was later confirmed in his faith as a youth on March 30, 1969, both at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Gaylord. He received his education at Immanuel Lutheran School in Gaylord through the eighth grade, which instilled his strong faith and belief in God. He was a graduate of the Gaylord High School Class of 1973. He was a member of the Gaylord football team, who won state in 1972 and was also part of the state basketball team in 1973. James furthered his education for auto mechanics at Hutchinson Vo-Tech.
On May 9, 1981, James was united in marriage to Karen Deno at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Arlington Township, Sibley County, Minnesota. After their marriage, the couple resided in Coon Rapids, Minnesota, for 26 years. They relocated to Chisholm, Minnesota, for 13 years and settled in Ely, Minnesota. James and Karen were blessed with two wonderful sons, Robert and Timothy. James was employed as maintenance mechanic, maintenance manager, construction manager and later interim maintenance director for the University of Minnesota Hospital/Fairview University. In his retirement he installed windmills and solar energy panels, enjoyed remodeling and renovating cabins together with Karen. He was hardworking with integrity, always there to help and was a go to person for advice or input. James and Karen shared 42 years of marriage.
James was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Chisholm, Minnesota.
James enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, vacationing in Mexico, skiing, snowmobiling and “whistling.” He enjoyed spending his last two winters in Texas. He loved to sit on the dock at the cabin and watch the loons, trumpeter swans, and the northern lights. James cherished the time he spent with his family, especially his children and grandchildren, and having “cocktails” with friends.
James is survived by his:
Wife, Karen Eilrich of Ely, MN;
Sons, Robert Eilrich and his wife, Missy of Lonsdale, MN, and
Timothy Eilrich and his wife, Abbie of Elk River, MN;
Grandchildren, Theodore, Elliana, Evelyn, Rylan, Sebastian, and Scarlett;
Mother, Gladys Eilrich of Ely, MN;
Sister, Bonnie Blatchford of Detroit Lakes, MN;
Brother, Wayne Eilrich of Mankato, MN;
Father-in-law and Mother-in-law, Anthony and Alice Deno of Gaylord, MN;
Sisters-in-law, Judy Koester of Apple Valley, MN, and Susan Deno of Richfield, MN;
Brothers-in-law, Duane Deno of Gaylord, MN, Glen (Rosemary) Deno of Gaylord, MN, and Tom Deno of Shakopee, MN;
Many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
James was preceded in death by his Father, Paul Eilrich; Brother-in-law, James Koester.
Larry Gasow says
Moose was a great teammate and awesome friend for fishing, water and snow skiing and just hanging out!
Cindy Chamernick says
Jim will truly be missed by all those who called him a friend. He was so fun to be around and always had good words to share. His smile was contagious! May he gain his wings so he may continue to watch over all those he loved.
Joan (Dose) Vinkemeier says
Karen…My deepest sympathies to you and your family. Thoughts and prayers are with u…
Ruth Murray says
Karen, I’m so very sorry to hear about Jim’s passing. He was a great guy. May God bless you and your family as you go through this difficult time.
Kathy Ulrich says
Oh my gosh. I remember James from Immanuel school. I always felt his last name was so close to mine that it had to be quite the coincidence. So sorry for your loss to family and friends. RIP Moose!
Joyce Koster says
Karen and family. So very very sorry for your loss. We didn’t know Jim very long but didn’t take us long to know he was special. Willing to help. Such laughs we had in Tx. I am sure he is smiling on a of us and saying, don’t worry i am ok. Love to yoj Karen and all your family. Joyce and Dennis.
Sue Zinn says
Karen and family,
My heart goes out to you as you travel this journey. Jim was such a friendly guy and so pleasant to be around. I’m thankful I got to meet him in Texas. May you rest in the peace and comfort of our faithful God.
Your friend…
Sue Z
Susan Johnson-Schmitt says
My heart breaks for Karen and the boys.. Moose was the best. He was such a good friend to my dad and always good to me.
Lisa holberg says
So sorry Karen and all family. Always as a family remember the wonderful times you had together know you will meet again but now he is pain free and still watching over all of you.
Stacy Elling says
In all the ways our families were intertwined growing up, some of my best childhood memories are with the Eilrich family. I feel fortunate to have known him and witnessed the love he shared with his family. I can still see him sitting in the corner of the kitchen with a smile and full, happy cheeks. He was so quick to laugh and make conversation, and he was always there cheering on his kids at activities and in life. What a great man! My deepest sympathies and much love to you, Karen, Rob, Tim and your families.
Layton & Brenda Wahl says
Our sincere sympathies to Jim’s entire family. We were blessed to share laughs and good visits with Jim in Texas and will always remember his “two-step” lessons. May Gods loving arms hold you in the days to come and give comfort.
Love,
Layton and Brenda Wahl
Ron Polzin says
Grew up with Jim in Gaylord, we lived across the street, our parents were best of friends! Lots of wonderful memories, always remember making chicken on the grill marinated with beer, the best!! He will be missed!!
Kara Spike says
I so enjoyed seeing you both in clinic. Jim was such a kind man, one of my favorites. I’m honored to have been on this journey with you. You both have a special place in my heart.
Kara RN
Kris Glaeser says
Karen, we are sending prayers for comfort and strength to you and your family. We are sorry for your loss.
Jay and Norma Corbin says
We only met Jim and Karen a few years ago in our Texas community but they quickly became a wonderful part of our lives. Jim will always be remembered for his smile, sense of humor and his willingness to help others. Our deepest sympathy Karen and to all of Jim’s family
Doug Lamecker says
To Karen, friends and family:
I worked along side of Jim at University Hospital in Minneapolis for about 17 years. Jim was always cheerful, helpful and knew the ropes.
To all the people who knew him, the time of his passing is sad and sombre. He made this world a better place.
Doug Lamecker
James Burns says
I was a mechanic at the former “U” hospital and worked alongside Jim for many years.He was always respected and admired both as a “can do” mechanic but more importantly as someone you enjoyed working with and someone who had integrity.Everyone liked Jim -just a great guy,please accept my condolences, Jim Burns
Roger Wiedl says
Karen and family: My deepest sympathy at the loss of a dear one.
Carol Risdal says
Karen: I was so saddened to read of Jim’s passing. He was always so kind and patient with me, showing me around the U hospital. I don’t know where he got the nickname “Moose”, but he was always so gentle and had a winning smile. My sincere sympathy to you and your family.
Dorothy Bahl says
Sending our condolences to your family. Moose was a wonderful person and he will be greatly missed.
Bill and Dorothy Bahl
The Condermans says
Dear Karen,
Our prayers are with you and your family. We have so many fond memories together!
Jim will be missed.
We Love you,
The Condermans
Cary Gindele says
Dear Karen,
My deepest sympathy for you & your family! What a beautiful treasure your husband left for all of you in his words about Heaven! I will say a prayer of Thanksgiving for Jim & for peace & comfort for you & your family!
Cary (Kral)
Doug and Connie Quast says
We just heard now of Moose’s passing. He was a great guy with a contagious smile. Our deepest sympathy to Karen, his children and grandchildren and all those who knew him as a treasured friend.
Janelle Jakubowski says
Dear Karen-Sorry that Jim was taken from this life, it was an honor to know him and you, he always had a smile for all and was eager to pitch in and help. I remember when we were raising the walls of the room we added on to the cabin when he came by and just stepped right in and helped us get
it done. So his fingerprints are are there with us. What a reassuring message His Savior gave him and for him to share with his family and his friends.
Blessings Janelle and Stan