James Peter Warneke

James Peter Warneke, 93, of Aitkin, passed away Friday, August 18, 2023 at Moose Lake Village Assisted Living, Moose Lake.  He was born March 5, 1930 in Freeport to Joseph and Elizabeth (Notch) Warneke. He was a graduate of Melrose High School and went on to attend St. Cloud Business College. During his college career, Jim was offered a position with Northern States Power Company where he would work for 39 years. Jim was a member of the US Air Force and attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Jim and his wife Doris adopted a daughter (Debbie) and later a son (Bill). He enjoyed hunting, fishing, card and board games, but most of all spending time with his kids. After retiring Jim moved to his home on Blue Lake in Aitkin. Jim was a member of First Lutheran Church where he served on the finance endowment and audit committees. He helped unload the monthly food shelf truck well into his eighties. Jim also helped to organize a First Lutheran backed singles group that he managed for many years. Jim also served on the Aitkin County Kinship board of directors. Jim was a proud member of his community in Aitkin and truly loved his lake. 

Jim is preceded in death by his father Joseph, mother Elizabeth, brother Don, and his sister Bernie.

Jim is survived by his siblings Dan, Mabe, Bob and Joe, daughter Debbie and son Bill, his grandchildren Adam (Jenna) Warneke, Danielle (Dillon) Lee, and Alicia (Anthony) Bautista, as well as his great grandchildren Kyra and Carter Lee, Eliza and Zinnia Bautista, and Jack Warneke.

Services will be Friday, September 8 at 11 AM in First Lutheran Church of Aitkin with Pastor Reggie Denton officiating.  Visitation will be 1 hour before the service at the church.  All who knew and loved Jim are welcome.  Memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers.  Military Honors will be provided by Aitkin American Legion Post #86 and Aitkin V.F.W. Post #1727.  Jim’s service will be live streamed at https://www.youtube.com/@FirstLutheranChurchofAitkin.  To sign the guestbook online, go to:  www.srtfuneral.com.  Arrangements are with Sorensen-Root-Thompson Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Aitkin.

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