Irvin H Timm

Irvin H. Timm, age 95, of Wykoff, died Sunday November 9 at the Spring Valley Senior Center.

He was born January 28, 1919 in rural Wykoff to Emma (Eickhoff) and Fred Timm.   His mother died when he was a toddler and he and his siblings were raised by their father and father's sister, Ida Timm.  After completing 8th grade (skipping 7th grade to join his year-older brother) at St. John's parochial school in Wykoff he returned to working on the family farm along the Root River outside of Fillmore. He joined the Army in WW II and rose to the rank of Sergeant with significant combat duty in the South Pacific.  He was injured there and learned of the war's end while on a ship returning to the United States for his convalescence.  Upon returning home he joined his brother on the family farm for several years.

On May 13, 1951 he married Betty Mae Schwartz, his wife of 62 years until she passed away in March 2014.  They purchased their own farm nearby, where they lived and worked for most of their lives.  Among the many things he enjoyed in addition to life and work on the farm were gardening, wood-working, family camping vacations and saving memorabilia and and antiques from his own life.  In his later years he wrote a short memoir of his experiences in WWII and also made an audio recording for the Veteran's History Project.  As he slowly retired from farming he remained active in his hobbies, particularly gardening.  He often shared his favorite vegetable, sweet corn, with many friends and neighbors.

He is survived by his daughter Donna Marie (Don) Kubesh of New Hampton Iowa, sons Thomas Craig Timm (James Wilterding) of Albuquerque, New Mexico and Terry Timm (Janice) of Rochester, former daughter-in-law Cheryl of Chatfield, sister-in-law Mayvis Schwartz of Pilot Pound, 7 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his wife Betty, sister Frances and brother William.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM, Thursday November 13th at St. Paul Lutheran Church, with Pastor Preston Paul officiating.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM Wednesday, November 12th at Riley Funeral Home in Chatfield, and one hour before the service at the church. Burial will be in the St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery in Chatfield with military honors accorded by Chatfield VFW Post 6913.

Riley Funeral Home in Chatfield is in charge of arrangements. 507-867-4310 . rileyfuneralhomes.com.