James "Jim" Zuerlein

James L. Zuerlein, 84, of Columbus, Nebraska passed away on July 24, 2021 in Omaha.

Visitation will be held at St. Isidore Catholic Church from 5-7  PM, Tuesday, July 27, 2021. There will be a 7:00 PM vigil service also at the church on Tuesday. Visitation will continue Wednesday morning 9:30 AM until service time.  Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM Wednesday, July 28, 2021, at St. Isidore Catholic Church. Burial with Military Honors by Hartman Post #84 American Legion Honor Guard will in All Saints Cemetery following Mass.

Jim was born on September 26,1936 in Humphrey, Nebraska to Leona and Anthony Zuerlein. He graduated from St. Francis High School and then enlisted in the United States Army. He served as a dental assistant and technician at Tripler Army Hospital in Honolulu, Hawaii for three years. During his last four months in the service, he became active duty for the Korean War, but was never deployed.

Upon returning to Nebraska, he started Zuerlein Construction in Columbus, wherein he was well known for his friendly personality, happy whistling, and impeccable masonry and construction skills. Jim married his high school sweetheart, Patricia Schaefer on July 5,1958 in Humphrey. They were blessed with five children. Jim and Pat were married for 61 years until her death in September of 2019.

Jim was a founding member of St. Isidore Catholic Church, where he was also a lifelong member of the Knights of Columbus. He served on the Church Board of Directors and Catholic School Board, in addition to being a member of the American Legion. Jim exemplified a life of service to others as a Cub Scout Leader, church lecturer/greeter, food pantry volunteer, and frequently called upon handyman.

He was a proud father and grandfather who enjoyed gardening, Cornhusker Football, grilling, and World War II History. He was notorious for his sweet tooth- Butter Brickle Ice Cream and pecan pie in particular.

He is survived by his children: Terry (Nancy) of Little Rock, Arkansas, Todd (Sheri) of Columbus, Tim (Tammy) of St. Louis, Missouri, Tami (Chip) Pippert of New Ulm, Minnesota, and Tara (Brad) Kearney of Omaha, Nebraska. He had 14 grandchildren (Ben, Matt, Drew, Ellie, Megan, Chelsey, Alex, Morgan, Truman, Kate, Elizabeth, Spencer, Katelin, and Grant) and one great-grandchild, Worth.

Jim also leaves behind siblings: Elaine (George) Pfeifer, Carolyn (Norm) Mejstrik, Gene (Eileen) Zuerlein, Nancy (Steve) Milboum, Donna (Ron) Lehman, Tom Zuerlein and brother-in-law Alvin Backes.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife Pat, sister Alice Zuerlein Backes and parents.