James “Jim” Salentiny

A Mass of Christian Burial for Jim Salentiny, age 73, of Heron Lake, will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Heron Lake on Thursday, July 24th at 10:30 AM, with a time of visitation and gathering from 9:00 to 10:30 AM. Burial will be at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Dundee.

James “Jim” Joseph Salentiny was born on October 5, 1951, in Heron Lake, Minnesota, to the late Joseph and Alice (Sullivan) Salentiny. He grew up in a close-knit community where he developed an appreciation for rural life and hard work.

Jim received his education at the Heron Lake Public Schools, graduating in the Class of 1970. He completed the electrician program at Jackson Vocational School and was employed for four years at Fulda Electric. On October 21, 1972, Jim was united in marriage to Lynne Josephine Kunzweiler at the St. Gabriel’s Catholic Church in Fulda. Together they built a life rooted in love and family. They were blessed with two daughters, Krista and Kay. Jim enjoyed a lifetime of farming and raising livestock with his dad and brother in LaCrosse Township near Dundee.

Jim was an active member at St. Mary’s in Dundee and Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Heron Lake. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Foresters, and served on the LaCrosse Township Board. Jim had a genuine gift for connecting with others—always eager to meet new people and never passing up a good conversation. His interests included welding, ice fishing, and trying the latest technology. Above all, he cherished his wife, daughters, and their families, who were the light of his life.

Although Jim’s health was impacted by cancer, he was always hopeful and never let it affect his positive outlook on life. In his final weeks, Jim’s health had been declining and he was hospitalized at Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato. Jim, age 73, passed away with his family at his side on July 16, 2025. Jim was blessed and grateful to have the most caring health team of doctors, nurses, technicians and staff in Minnesota. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered in the hearts of those who loved him.

Jim is survived by his wife of 52 years, Lynne Salentiny of Heron Lake; two daughters, Krista (Scott) Stude of Mankato and their children, Ethan and Kylie; Kay (Shannon) Risacher of Minnetonka and their children, Zoe and Alex; two sisters and one brother, Marge (Gene) Freking of Heron Lake; Deb (Steve) Freking of Windom; Dennis (LeAnn) Salentiny of Lakefield; along with Lynne’s three brothers and sister, David, Don, Phil Kunzweiler, Karen Richter; many special nieces, nephews, and friends.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Alice, and Lynne’s parents, Vince and Ruth Kunzweiler.

Blessed be the memory of James “Jim” Joseph Salentiny.