Rev. James Howard Leidholdt

Reverend James Howard Leidholdt 88 of Mt. Olive, Illinois
     Reverend James Howard Leidholdt died Tuesday March 12, 2019 2:30 A.M. at Heritage Health of Litchfield, Illinois. He was born January 17, 1931 in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin the son of the late Carl Moritz Leidholdt and his wife Sophie Matilde Krueger.
     He graduated from Chippewa Falls High School in 1950 and enrolled at St. John's Collage in Winfield, Kansas to prepare for a career as a Minister of the Gospel in the Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod. After graduation, in 1953 he continued his studies at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO, receiving his B.A. in 1956. He completed his internship (Vicarage) at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Dundee, IL. He graduated from St. Louis Seminary June 6, 1958. The next day, June 7 he married Harriet Elizabeth Lowen in Concordia Lutheran Church, Mapelwood, MO. James was ordained into the Holy Ministry June 29, 1958 in his home church Zion Lutheran in Chippewa Falls by his Pastor A. Ira Grimm.
Pastor Leidholdt served 3 dual Parishes Immanuel / Trinity Parish of Appleton and Alberta, MN from 1958 to 1962, Immanuel / St. John of Canton and Moundridge, Kansas from 1962 to 1969,  Salem / Zion Parish of Farrar and Crosstown, Missouri from 1969 to 1980. His final calling was at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Mt. Olive, Illinois from 1980 until his retirement in 1993.
     James served as Circuit Counselor, two years in Missouri and two in Illinois in retirement he filled in for Circuit Pastors as needed. He loved singing and sang throughout school and in every church he served, he was an officer and member of the Mt. Olive Ministerial Association and one of the founders of the Mt. Olive Care Center in 1986 and later Executive Director and board member. he and Harriet delivered Meals on Wheels and served as Election Judges.
     As a young man he clerked in his parents store where he sharpened figure and hockey skates, after school, during the war, he worked for Western Union as a messenger boy. His hobbies were gardening, woodworking, building furniture, and model  trains, cars, boats, and planes. He served as President of the Coal Dusters R/C club from 1999 to 2000 meeting at Township Park.
Survivors:  Wife: Harriet of Mt. Olive, IL.  // 1 Daughter: Karen (Ronald) Wagner of Roanoke, IL.  // 2 Sons:  Stephen (Sandy) Leidholdt of Chesterfield, MO  // David  (Jannelle) Leidholdt of Chesterfield, MO. // 8 Grandchildren: Michael (Hollyene) Wagner of Rock Island, IL. // Mark (Tabby) Wagner of Roanoke, IL. // Daniel and Timothy Wagner of Roanoke, IL. // Joshua Leidholdt of St. Ann MO. // Chelsea, Lydia, & Luke Leidholdt of Chesterfield, MO. // 2 Great-Grandchildren: Chloe Leidholdt of Chesterfied, Mo. // Grace Darlene Wagner of Rock Island, IL.  // 1 Sister: Audrey (Dr. Ken) Johannsen of Storm Lake, Iowa.
Preceded in Death: Parents  // 1 Sister: Shirley Kritchman
Visitation: Friday March 15, 2019  6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Immanuel Lutheran Church, Mt. Olive, IL. and Saturday March 16 from 10 A.M. until the time of service.
Funeral Service: Saturday March 16, 2019 at 11 A.M. Immanuel Lutheran Church, Mt. Olive, IL.
Burial: Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery, Mt. Olive, IL.
Clergy: Reverend James Ritter
Lunch: For family and friends following the burial at the Immanuel Educational Building served by the Lydia Circle .
Pallbearers: Grandsons: Michael, Mark, Daniel, Timothy Wagner // Joshua and Luke Leidholdt
Music: Organist and Soloist: Ernie Thomack will accompany the Congregation on the Processional "Lift High The Cross", How Great Thou Art", and the Recessional "Beautiful Savior", Ernie will sing "I Know My Redeemer Lives" and " Just As I Am" at the service and "Amazing Grace" at graveside.
Memorials: Immanuel Lutheran Church, Mt. Olive Care Center, and Lutheran Hour Ministries
Condolences: beckerandson.com
 Becker & Son Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements

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