James N. Mrak passed away Wednesday, May 24th, 2023, at 85, peacefully at his home surrounded by his family in Isanti, MN. Services will be held at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Duluth, MN (610 99th Ave. W, Duluth, MN 55808) on Thursday, June 1, 2023, visitation at 10:00am, with a Catholic Mass at 11:00am and a luncheon to follow.
Jim was born June 26, 1937, in Duluth, MN., to Nickolas and Anna (Verlenich) Mrak.
Jim was in the United States Army as a reservist and he worked for 20+ years at the US Steel plant in Duluth, followed by another 20 years at Diamond Tool & Horseshoe until he retired. After “official” retirement he worked for Del Zotto at the Heritage apartments in Duluth, as building maintenance.
Jim’s true passion was hunting and fishing with family and friends throughout the Northland. He spent countless hours on the St. Louis River fishing, hunting and trapping starting with his uncles and then with his son. Many memories involved deer, bear, turkey hunting, ice fishing and open water fishing on nearly all of the lakes in Northern Minnesota plus the special memories of portaging and flying into the Boundary Waters.
Jim and Carol moved to the Twin Cities to be closer to their kids and grandkids in 2005. They have their home in Isanti, but spent 10+ summers at Ham Lake Campground, Ham Lake, MN. Jim was a camp staff where he was outside doing what he enjoyed; cutting grass and working on anything that needed repair. He enjoyed those summers with his family and friends camping and making memories.
He is preceded in death by his father and mother, Nickolas and Anna (Verlenich) Mrak; brother-in-law William Berg; daughter Ruth Ann Mrak; son James Donald Mrak.
Jim is survived by his wife of 56 years, Carol; by son Don (Elaine) Mrak of Andover, MN; daughter Melissa (John) Lukan of Ramsey, MN; sister Patricia (Russell) Betts of Duluth, sister MaryAnn Berg of Duluth and grandchildren; Allison (Brett) Demma, Rebecca Mrak, John Lukan, Madeline Lukan and Josephine Lukan, along with many cousins, nieces and nephews.
A lot of great memories!!! Loved all the stories. Great Cousin!!!
Brian
Miss you dad.
Cheech
I will always remember Jim ( Gary New Duluth neighbor ) as a very kind man.
God Bless all of you.
Donna Borich
We were so blessed to have Jim as a father -in-law to our son, John. Jim taught John all those fishing and hunting and survival skills that we don’t have and we are grateful to him for that. Also we so enjoyed visiting with him when the family gathered. We will miss him.
My deepest condolences Carol, Donny and Melissa. Jimmy and Carol were our next door neighbors for years. The best around. Jimmy was a sweet, kind and caring man. I sure missed you all after you moved. We were lucky to have you as neighbors. Lots of good memories. Love and prayers.
Annette Reid (Mlodozyniec)