James John Huelsmann

James John Huelsmann, 91, of Aviston, IL, passed away on Sunday, September 22, 2024 at St. Joseph Hospital in Breese surrounded by family. He was born on March 29, 1933 in Aviston, the son of Cyril and Anna, nee Heimann, Huelsmann. He married Emma Schmeink on October 14, 1959 in Carlyle and she preceded him in death after 42 years of marriage on September 17, 2004.

Throughout his life, James was known for his unwavering dedication to his family and his work. As a farmer, he spent countless hours laboring in the fields, caring for livestock, and providing for those he loved. Beyond his farming endeavors, James had a wide range of interests that brought joy to his life and those around him. He had a talent for playing music, especially the accordion and harmonica, which often filled his home with melodies. An avid gardener, he found purpose in tending to his plants and foraging for nuts.  James was a proud volunteer in his community, giving freely of his time and produce to help others. 

He leaves behind his children, Nancy Huelsmann of San Diego, CA; Vince Huelsmann of Aviston; Alice (Mark) Deien of Trenton; Duane Huelsmann of Aviston; Henry Huelsmann of Creve Couer, MO; Mary Huelsmann of Wildwood, MO; Kurt (Heather) Huelsmann of Aviston; Carol (Frank) Onest of Wildwood, MO; Paul (Jean) Huelsmann of Aviston; and Joseph (Julie) Huelsmann of Washington, IL; his grandchildren, Nicholas Deien, Andrea (friend, Luis) Deien, Jacob Deien,; Elizabeth Hosley; Haley, Celia, and James Huelsmann; Olivia, Emmalee, and Gavin Huelsmann; his siblings, Lorraine (Don) Boeser of Aviston; Sr. Rose Rita Huelsmann, SSND of St. Louis; Arnold (Judy) Huelsmann of Trenton; and John (Nancy) Huelsmann of Aviston; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Mary Huelsmann; Pete Schumacher; Mary Schmeink; Leo Schmeink; Kathy Schmeink; and Paul (Janet) Schmeink, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and wife he was preceded in death by his brothers, Herman Huelsmann and David Huelsmann; his sister, Irene Schumacher; and his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, including Florence Huelsmann, Arnold Schmeink, Henry Schmeink, and Rita Schmeink.

Visitation will be held at Nordike Funeral Home in Aviston on Thursday, September 26, 2024, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and again on Friday, September 27, 2024, from 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM. 

A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday, September 27, 2024, at St. Francis Catholic Church in Aviston, starting at 10:00 AM.

Memorials may be made to the American Parkinson Disease Association or the National Fragile X Foundation and will be received at the funeral home.