James Palmer Cassem

JAMES PALMER CASSEM, age 78, of Waseca, died on Wednesday, December 13, 2023 at United Hospital in St. Paul.

Born on May 2, 1945 in Waseca, he was the son of Palmer and Hazel (Cutler) Cassem. Jim received his education at New Richland Public School. Although he never graduated, Jim received his GED while serving in the United States Marine Corps where Jim served two tours in Vietnam from 1965 until his honorable discharge in 1969. On November 27, 1971, Jim was united in marriage to Zona Olson at Trinity Lutheran Church in Osage, Iowa. Jim and Zona began their life together on the farm before moving to New Richland where they resided for many years and in 1987, they moved to Waseca. 

Throughout his life, Jim worked in various career fields. As a young man he drove milk truck while working alongside his dad on the family farm before farming on his own for 13 years. Jim then went on to be a TV Repair Man as well as working at Scotsman Ice Machines in Albert Lea for 19 years. Jim finished his working career at Birdseye where he became a Master Electrician and retired in 2012. Jim always found time to hunt and fish or just be outside amongst nature. He also enjoyed remodeling his home in Waseca doing all of the work himself including two garages and an addition for a new kitchen. Jim will be remembered as a kind, generous man who would regularly engage in random acts of kindness. He was a member of the American Legion in Waseca and Vista Covenant Church in rural New Richland. 

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Zona; children: Jeremy Cassem, Nicole Cassem and Michelle Ferch, all of Waseca; grandchildren: Kamerin Ferch and Makenzi Ferch; sisters: Thelma Kormann of Waseca and Norma Fullerton of Des Moines, Iowa; brother-in-law: Marlyn Carlson of Clear Lake, Iowa; good friend, Brad Field; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; and siblings: Loren (Barb) Cassem, Martha (Frank) Mary, and Joyce Carlson. 

Funeral Service will be 2:00 PM on Monday, December 18, 2023 at Vista Covenant Church in rural New Richland. Interment will follow with Military Honors in the church cemetery. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday.