James Caroline

James Joseph Caroline,

Minot, ND, formerly of

Kenmare, ND, passed

away Thursday, No-

vember 26, 2020.

James was born March

2, 1925, the son of Joseph

Francis and Thresia Ann

(Gleisner) Caroline, in

Kenmare, ND. James at-

tended first grade in a rur-

al school near Kenaston.

During the Great Depres-

sion years, the family

moved to California and

Oregon to secure work.

During this period, James

attended 10 different

schools. The family re-

turned to Kenmare where

he completed his Senior

year of school, graduating

in 1943.

James enlisted in the

United States Army on

February 9, 1944. He

proudly served his coun-

try during World War II.

He received the Purple

Heart (wounded in com-

bat) and Bronze Star (mer-

itorious service in com-

bat) during the Battle of

Okinawa, Japan. He was

honorably discharged

February 9 1946.

James married Helena

Bauer on October 25, 1950

at St. Agnes Catholic

Church, Kenmare. Follow-ing their marriage they

lived southwest of Ken-

mare, ND, where they

farmed and raised their

family.

They moved into Ken-

mare in September of

2000.

Helena passed away

June 30, 2006.

James moved from Ken-

mare to Edgewood in

Minot in May of 2018.

James was a member of

St. Agnes Catholic

Church, the VFW, and the

WWII Last Man’s Club all

of Kenmare, ND.

James enjoyed watching

the Vikings and Twins. In

retirement, he also en-

joyed woodworking. He

became known as the

family poet. His poems

ranged from humorous to

very personal. He also do-

cumented several of the

most impactful times of

his service during WWII.

Until the last few days of

his life, his great wit con-

tinued and he was always

good with the

“one-liners”.

James and his family

are very thankful for the

loving care he received

from the employees,

nurses, CMA’s and CNA’s

of Edgewood Vista and

Caring Edge Hospice in

Minot.

His loving family in-

cludes: children, Joseph

(Debra) Caroline, Wahpe-

ton, ND, David (Phyllis)

Caroline, Bottineau, ND

and Dorothy (Mark) Pla-

cek, Tioga, ND; seven

grandchildren, Brendan

(Nicole) Caroline; Eliza-

beth (Jacob) Loeks; Greg

(Heidi) Brekhus; Jason

Brekhus (Deanna Lin-

demann); Erin (Colton)

Berentson; Austin (Lacey)

Placek; Ashley (Darron)

Olson; 15

great-grandchildren;

brother, Vernon Caroline,

Little Canada, MN, and

numerous nieces,

nephews and cousins.

James was preceded in

death by: his parents;

wife, Helena; daughter,

Mary Brekhus; sister, Ver-

na (Clarence) Wirtz, and

numerous extended fami-

ly members.

Celebrating the Life of

James: Due to the Corona-virus Pandemic, A Private

Graveside Service was

held at St. Agnes Catholic

Cemetery, Kenmare.

Memorials: In lieu of

flowers, memorial are pre-

ferred: St. Agnes Catholic

Church, Kenmare Car-

ingEdge Hospice of Minot

Kenmare Vets Club or a

favorite charity of the

donor.

There will be a Funeral

Mass at St. Agnes Cathol-

ic Church, Kenmare, later

in 2021.

Those wishing to sign

the online register and

share memories may ac-

cess the online obituaries

section at

(www.thompsonlarson.

com).