James "Jim" M. Trucke
James Merle Trucke passed away on September 18th at the age of 83 at Sanford Medical Center in Bemidji.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Jim on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Bagley, MN with Fr. JohnMelkies Suvakeen presiding. A two hour time of visitation and gathering will be held at the Church on Wednesday beginning at Noon. Interment will be held following the mass at St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery in Bagley, MN.
Jim was born on January 11, 1943 in Fargo and was raised in Lisbon, ND. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Aloysius Catholic Church and attended St. Aloysius School through the eighth grade. He graduated from Lisbon High School in 1961. Jim continued his education at Mayville State College graduating in 1965. He earned his Master’s Degree from Moorhead State College.
Jim’s first teaching job was at Bottineau, ND where he taught for 3 months as a long-term sub. After this he taught 4 years at Mahnomen, 1 year at Simley High School in Inver Grove Heights where he started the wrestling program, and 29 years in Bagley.
Jim was united in marriage to Bonnie Slyter on December 29, 1969. They were blessed with two children, Ryan and Michelle, and six grandchildren whom he loved dearly.
Jim lived by the philosophy that if something was worth doing, it was worth doing right. He put in the extra effort to be a good husband, father, teacher, coach, friend and Christian.
Jim was an avid sports fan. He coached cross country, wrestling, track, football and baseball at various times while teaching. He also enjoyed playing sports from running marathons to playing softball. He could often be found watching one of his grandkid’s games or one of the many Minnesota teams he coached from his recliner.
Jim is survived by his wife of 56 years, his children Ryan (Emily) and Michelle (Kevin) Pethan, sisters Gloria (Harlan) Nundahl, Marlene (Charles) Jorgenson, grandchildren Taylor White, Zachary Kane, Anna Trucke, Nicholas Trucke, Benjamin Trucke, and Grace Trucke, and several nieces and nephews.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents John and Velma Trucke, brother Allan Trucke, and brother-in-law Howard Slyter.
Jim was a faithful member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and placed his trust in God’s promise of eternal life. After a life of humble service to others, he now rests in the loving presence of his Lord—truly a good and faithful servant.
Messages of condolence may be sent to ceasefuneralhome.com