James (Jim) Dellwo, aged 61, of Prior Lake, passed away on April 11, 2024 surrounded by his family and close friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held in Jim’s honor on April 27, 2024, from 1-3PM, all at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation, 4565 Pleasant St SE, Prior Lake, MN. A public reception will follow, please join the family at the Celebration of Life for further details.
While we are deeply saddened Jim is no longer with us, we are choosing to celebrate the life he lived to the fullest. Black attire is not necessary.
Jim was born on July 3, 1962 in Shakopee, MN to parents Richard and Audrey (Leonhardt) Dellwo. Jim was the sixth of seven children and graduated from Shakopee High School in 1980. From high school he served four years in the U.S. Navy, and remained proud of his service. Jim married Michelle (Rubischko) Dellwo in 1985 and they were married for 32 years. Their only child, Kelsey was born in 1991.
Jim worked for Minnesota schools through the entirety of his career, with his most recent role being Director of Operational Services for the Prior-Lake-Savage School District. In his free time, Jim loved to be outdoors. He was an avid fisherman and forager who loved to cook and bake with his bounties. Jim was known to share his catches and creations with all who knew him.
Jim is survived by his daughter, Kelsey Dellwo (Jason McPipe); grandchildren, Layla Weldon-Dellwo, Karter McPipe and Jaxon McPipe; siblings, Cindy Graves, Randy (Rena) Dellwo, Sharon (Tom) Schmid, Keith (Annette) Dellwo, and Mike Dellwo; as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
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James Speiker
My sincerest condolences.
Len Matejcek
So sorry to hear of your loss. I worked with Jim at Eden Prairie for many years. He was a good man.
Bill Weis
Sending hugs. Love and prayers to Jim’s family. Jim was our best man in our wedding and a good friend. May he RIP.
Michael J Thomas
I’ve only been privileged to know/work with Jim for two years, and it feels like I lost a lifelong friend. This speaks to the type of person he was. So loving, caring and committed to others…this is how I will always remember him. Thank you Jim for your many years of service to our PLSAS community, you will be missed my friend.
Ann Deane
I will always remember Jim for his smile. jovial nature and his can do attitude! The school district will really miss him! He is one of the first District Office employees I met when I started at MNCAPS (PLSAS), and he was so welcoming and helpful. I will miss him.
Kristi Mussman
Dellwo Family,
PLSAS is heartbroken along with you at the loss of Jim. He was such a great person to be around and had so many funny “Jim isms” that many of us have been recalling with each other, bringing a smile even in this time of profound loss. Please know that our thoughts are with you.
Macias family
Jim was a bright light and a kind and caring soul who will be dearly missed. We worked together while he was at PLSAS. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time.
Angie Ullrich
Jim was my boss during the summers at PLSAS. Whenever I saw him, in whatever school I happened to be in, he always made me feel seen and remembered…a silly joke was always a part of the interaction. He made me smile. I felt very supported by him in both the Child Nutrition and Custodial Departments. I am so sorry for you loss and am praying for comfort as you grieve❤️.
Mike OHara
Jim was not only a colleague, but was also a friend to everyone in the workplace.
Jim was like that fun uncle, who is always delivering punchlines and told the best stories. Truly one of a kind.
Jim – we will miss your expertise/wisdom and the daily chuckles you provided. Glad we were able to chat a few weeks ago.
Rest easy friend .
David Brown
I will always have fond memories of Jim and the work he did over the years to support PLSAS. He was a crucial part of opening Bridges ALC in 2009, and we all enjoyed when he would stop over to check on how things were going and seeing what our needs were so he could support. He made a special point to grill for our school picnic and he loved interacting with our students and staff – often bringing smiles year after year to all.
He was vital in opening Bridges’ new building and one morning after it was built he sent me a stunning picture of the sun rising over the building pointing out how beautiful it was.
Jim will always be part of Bridges, and I personally am honored to have had the opportunity to work and learn from him.
Mary Frantz
I’ve had the pleasure of working with Jim for over 8 years. He was an incredible human. He was kind, honest to a fault, and had a phenomenal sense of humor. He will be greatly missed. My condolences to his family.
Harry Algyer
I met Jim through Prior Lake Rotary. He was the “go-to guy” for everything we coordinated with the schools for Lakefront Musicfest. Jim will be sorely missed. Rest in Peace, my friend.
Ray graf
It is with a heavy heart that I offer my prayers and condolences. “Like Columbus in the olden days, we must gather all our courage, sail our ships out on the open sea, cast away our fears. All the years will come and go, take us up, always up”. You will never be forgotten.
Mike warzeha
Jim and I go back to earlier years of MASMS. I was saddened to hear of his loss. He will be missed greatly.
not only by you his family, but also in the education world but personally by all .
I could all ways count on Jim for golf help, trade show, setting up or sometimes just his thoughts, what ever was of need
John Plumhoff
I worked with Jim on a number of projects at the district over the past years and he was always a straight shooter, no B.S.
I’m sure he will be missed by his friends & loved ones.
Very sorry for your loss.
Dave Holm
My condolences to your family. The first time I met Jim was in 2004 at a MASMS convention, a convention for school operators and vendors that help support them. At the time, I was joining my Mom to help with her business, she knew Jim from his beginnings at Eden Prairie Schools. His dedication to MASMS, specifically working with the education committee to help further others coming up in the field, helping set up certification programs and continuing education was not lost by those of us there during his time at MASMS, and continues to be a benefit for those who have followed. He was kind, understanding and had a great sense of humor. I remember when he was awarded MASMS Professional of the year, voted on by his peers in the organization, he was at Eden Prairie at the time. During the ceremony, there were notes and letters that had been written by not only some of his superiors like his superintendent, but also some members of the community expressing how he went above and beyond the call of duty, and how awesome he was. After they were all read and he went to the mic, first words “What a load of crap”. Brought the house down. It was all true what he had done, but he was humble. There are so many people he touched and helped. I will miss him, and am better for having the pleasure of getting to know him and how he conducted himself.
Luis Benitez
The news chilled me, and I was in shock.
Jim was like an older brother for me, big loss..
Resignation to the whole family.
We enjoyed many years of good conversation as
Very Good friends, at the District office
I will miss you, thanks for everything you did for me
and my son Ricky..
Wes Vohnoutka
Over all my working years Jim was the BEST boss I have ever had, and I’m not just saying that because all the fish he caught were smaller than mine. He was a wonderful soul taken way too soon. I am deeply sorry and saddened for your family’s loss. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. My deepest sympathy.
Dave Bahr
I worked for Jim at Eden Prairie and also at Prior Lake. He was a super good guy who will be greatly missed.
Dr. Ronald Bratlie
Jim always had a smile on his face, was an avid and devoted supporter of MASMS and, a true professional. I am going to miss seeing him in the future. God Bless Jim.
Tom Palumbo
It has been my pleasure to meet and work with Jim while driving school bus with Ron DeBaer and with Jim Busse. Jim always had a pleasant word and a smile for all. My prayers for all the family
Wendy Fry
I was fortunate to have met Jim 20 years ago. He hired us to do some work at the district. I’ve always thought of Jim as one of the kindest people I know. He will be missed and leaves behind a great legacy.
Cliff Gustafson
I worked with Jim. Whenever we met, I always left feeling enriched by our conversation! Reading these condolences, that gift was felt by many….what a great legacy!
Duane Rockne
The Rockne family sends our deepest condolences to the Dellwo family . We made a lot of good memories in our neighborhood growing up , Jim was a great person, he will be missed dearly by all . Bless all of the Dellwo family at this time of grieving.
Scott Rodewald
Thanks for everything Jim!!! A great boss and friend!!! Im really gonna miss you!!!
Randy Geister
Jim worked with me and P.L.A.Y. over the years to maintain and recover field usage. It was an important part to the needs of our youth and athletic community. Always grateful. Thank you and may you rest in peace!
Randy Dellwo
Jim, I can’t believe that you are gone so soon. I feel that there is a hole in my heart where you used to be. Rest well, see you again on the other side someday.
Mike Dellwo
Its been hard to find the words. Jim was the hardest working man I know and was taken from us far too soon. I’m going to miss working on projects in the wood shop with him. Its still hasn’t fully sunk in.
Cynthia (Dellwo) Graves
Pretty sure I’ve cried more tears than a body should be able to produce. In the depths of my immense sadness I pause to remind myself of this beautiful unattributed quote, “Grief never ends, but it changes. It is a passage, not a place to stay. Grief is not a sign of weakness, nor a lack of faith. It is the price of love.” Know, dear brother, that you are dearly held with all the love a heart can hold and will be forever missed. Godspeed you into the arms of Angels.
Mike Mahoney
To the Dellwo family,
Our deepest condolences to you at this time of loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
We admired Jim for his kind, friendly disposition which was accented by his politeness. He could make you feel at ease with his sense of humor, and make you laugh and lighten your load! A genuine gentleman indeed, with good character and integrity.
I have the privilege of working for the Prior Lake School District thanks to Jim giving me the opportunity to work on his maintenance team 4 1/2 years ago. Thanks to the job, I got to know Jim better, as our paths separated after high school. Jim was even keal (Navy talk) and a leader who had your 6 when needed. His loyalty to his team was to be admired. Thank you for that Jim!
It was good to get to know you more Jim, and unfortunate it couldn’t be for years to come. The Lord works in ways we don’t understand, so I’ll walk in faith until we meet again. Until that time Jim, rest in peace!
Mike Mahoney, Verona and Kathleen Mahoney
Doug Gesme
Rest in peace my friend. You will be missed.
Keith Dellwo
I was fortunate to have Jim as a brother. We had always been close, though our lives were
undeniably different. Jim was the outdoors-man of the family, and it shaped his perspective on
life. The adage, ‘His heart was as big as the Great Outdoors’ was never truer. There are people
God puts in our lives, to lessen our burdens. This was Jim. This is Jim. I will never forget Jim’s
smile, because he always wore it, and I will never forget his kindness, because he always shared it.
Be at peace, brother.
Jessica Olstad
I had the honor of working with Jim at PLSAS. His presence and work will forever be felt in all of our buildings. He loved his work with all the kids and staff. He truly made a “Dellwo difference” wherever he went. Rest well, friend.
Steve "Doc" Monnens
My deepest condolences to the Dellwo family.
I had the privilege to work with Jim at PLSAS for 12 years
He could joke with me one minute and talk work the next.
I am going to miss you my friend 🙁
Rest in peace
Dan and Stacy Germundson
Our condolences and sympathy to the family and friends of Jim. We had the pleasure of working with Jim at Prior Lake schools and was fortunate to go on a couple ice fishing trips with Jim along with a few other colleagues. He was a great guy and gone way too early but cherish the memories and friendships we made.