James D. Vetter

James Duane Vetter was born November 6, 1939 in Mosinee, WI to Bruno and Grace (Cannady) Vetter. Jim attended school in Marathon, WI graduating from Marathon High School in 1957. He attended college in Stevens Point, WI before entering the United States Air Force on February 5, 1958.

Air Force isolated tours included Morocco, North Africa; Fort Yukon, Alaska; and Viet Nam. Jim served as a radar controller when stationed in Wadena, MN; Baudette, MN; and Friesing, Germany; a recruiter in Fond du Lac, WI; and two tours in Duluth, MN working with NORAD forces. Jim retired from the U.S. Air Force on September 1, 1979 after 21 ½ years of service.

While stationed in Wadena, MN, Jim met and married his devoted wife, Anna Mae Rebuck. They were married on November 19, 1960. Their marriage was blessed with four daughters: Teri, Laure, Mary and Kelly.

Following retirement from the U.S. Air Force, Jim managed the Perham Liquor Store. Jim was an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, working diligently through local, district, and state offices to serve his fellow veterans. Jim was among five people responsible for the establishment of the Veterans Home in Fergus Falls, MN.

Jim loved his family and enjoyed his grandchildren’s visits and activities. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, making sausage, smoking salmon and caring for his beautiful flower gardens. Jim also enjoyed shaking dice at morning coffee with many friends. A Wisconsin native, Jim remained an avid Packer fan.

Jim passed away on Saturday, November 17, 2018 with his family at his side while under the respectful care of the Fargo Veterans Hospital and Community Living Center. He will be greatly missed.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Anna Mae; daughters: Teri (Jim) Nissen of Nebish, MN; Laure (Ron) Laughlin of Bluffton, MN; Mary (Paul) Perius of Anchorage, AK; Kelly (Larry) Larson of Hawley, MN; grandsons: Aaron and Andrew Nissen; Matthew and Isaac Laughlin; Ryan Perius and granddaughter, Megan Perius; sisters: Sara (Jon) Schroeder of Edgar, WI, Lynnette (Norman) Hornung of Marathon, WI; brother, Tom (Anne) Vetter of Marathon, WI; sisters-in-law: Margaret McLaughlin of Paynesville, MN and Rae Marie (David) Sylvester of Cloquet, MN; brother-in-law, Marvin Stencil of Wausau, WI; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and VFW Comrades.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents: Bruno and Grace Vetter; siblings: Everett, Don, Judy, Ruth, Patricia, Susan and precious granddaughter, Mariah Brooke Nissen.

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