James Buddenhagen

February 21, 1934 - November 18, 2016

James Buddenhagen, 82, of Humboldt, passed away November 18, 2016 at his home at Springvale Senior Living in Humboldt. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, November 22, 2016 at Zion Lutheran Church in Humboldt with the Rev. Aaron Flatau officiating. Burial will be in Zion Cemetery, Humboldt with full military honors by Adams American Legion Post 119 and Sathers-Odgaard VFW Post 119. Visitation is from 5-8 p.m. Monday at the church. The Mason-Lindhart Funeral Home of Humboldt is assisting the family. James Buddenhagen, the son of Edward and Rosa (Roggow) Buddenhagen, was born February 21, 1934 at Alta, Iowa and was raised on a farm near Aurelia, Iowa. Following his graduation from Brooke Consolidated School, Jim enrolled in Buena Vista College at Storm Lake. In 1954, he enlisted into the United States Army and was stationed at Fort Leonard Wood and Camp Crowder. He was united in marriage to Ruth Erps on June 10, 1955 and the couple made their home at Fort Leonard Wood until Jim’s honorable discharge in 1956. He re-entered Buena Vista College and earned his bachelor’s degree in 1958. He began his teaching career at Malcom and Wall Lake and served as teacher and principal at Manilla, Iowa. He later earned his Master of Arts degree in secondary school administration from the University of Iowa and his counseling certification from Iowa State University. Jim then served as guidance counselor for the Alta School District. In 1977, he accepted a position with the AEA as an educational consultant and the family made their home in Humboldt. In addition to his education career, Jim served as a hail crop adjuster for Grinnell Mutual for 40 years. Jim was a trusting man who loved the Lord, his family, his church, and volunteering. He was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church where he served as an Elder, Chairman of the Congregation, Sunday school teacher, and was instrumental in the development of the pre-school. He was a member of the Humboldt Lions Club where he served as past-president and worked closely with the KidSight program, and served as board member of the Humboldt Workshop and Humboldt Homes. He enjoyed spending time with his family, woodworking, golfing, card playing, vegetable and flower gardening, and reading. Jim loved children and his fellowman and worked tirelessly as a mentor and counselor to those who needed emotional and financial help. Jim is survived by his wife of 61 years, Ruth Buddenhagen of Humboldt; his children, Craig Buddenhagen, Susan Krantz, and Julie (Chris) Hartzler, all of Ankeny; grandchildren, Amanda Krantz of San Francisco, CA, Michael (Shayla) Krantz of Lenexa, KS, and Abigail Hartzler and Andrew Hartzler, both of Ankeny; brothers, Ronald Buddenhagen of British Columbia, Canada and David (Christine) Buddenhagen of Springfield, NE; brother-in-law, Jim (Leone) Hoefling of Marcus; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Donna Hoefling; and brother, Ray Buddenhagen.