Jim Strutzenberg

Jim Strutzenberg, 86, of Humboldt, passed away April 29, 2017 at the Humboldt Care Center North. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 3, 2017 at the Faith United Methodist Church in Humboldt. Visitation is 5-8 p.m. Tuesday at the Mason-Lindhart Funeral Home in Humboldt. Burial will be in Union Cemetery, Humboldt.
Jim Strutzenberg, the son of Henry and Ona (Kilmer) Strutzenberg, was born June 10, 1930 at Fort Dodge, Iowa. He was raised at Knierim and graduated from Manson High School.
Jim was a born entrepreneur and wasn’t afraid to try anything. He became an Eagle Scout and at the age of twenty, built his first house for himself. He loved all kinds of transportation and many of his business’ involved driving including, a milk route, bread truck, and operating his cob business. A lifelong salesman and promoter, Jim promoted and operated many racetracks around the area including the drag strip in Humboldt. He was a pioneer in racecars and was inducted into many racing hall of fames. He enjoyed flying his airplanes, and driving his boats, and for a time operated a charter boat service in Okoboji. In his younger years, Jim worked as a signalman for the railroad and, in his later life, joined his sons in the Hotsy business as a distributor until his retirement.
Jim was united in marriage to Donna Egli in 1948. She passed away in 1994. His family will always remember the many colorful stories involving their dad. He is survived by his children, Candis (John) Dreschler of Humboldt, Brad (Sharon) Strutzenberg of Dakota City, Jim (Cathy) Strutzenberg of Urbandale, Ardie (Louise) Strutzenberg of Huntsville, AL, and Jill (Rod) Slane of Eureka Springs, AR; 14 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; and sister, Nancy (Dean) Sabus of Jefferson. He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Ona Strutzenberg; his wife, Donna; infant son, Thomas; and brother, Hank.