James Staloch

JAMES M. STALOCH, age 76 of Waseca, died at his home on Saturday, October 28, 2023.

James was born in Winnebago, Minnesota, on September 27, 1947, to parents Henry and Marcella (O’Keefe) Staloch.  After graduating from Huntley High School with the class of 1965, he went on to Mankato State University, where he earned a degree in law enforcement. He met his future wife, Vicki DeFrance, at the University and they were married in Marshalltown, IA on August 16, 1969.  After working at the local canning factory for a time, James started his law enforcement career in his hometown of Winnebago. The department there was so small that he had to use his own revolver for his service pistol. In 1974 he found an opportunity to move to a bigger police department in Waseca, where he started as a patrolman. Later, he worked his way up to being Sergeant and eventually Chief of Police. He was very proud of the work that his department did under his tenure, solving some important cases for the community of Waseca. He was always a determined advocate for victims getting justice and not just getting the criminals.

James spent over 30 years in the Army Reserves. He served with the Army Corps of Engineers in Mankato and was later based out of Fort Snelling in St. Paul, where he reached the rank of Master Sergeant. He was an internal investigator for the Army.

For as serious as James’s career was, he was such a humorous man. He had a laugh that caught on like wildfire. He was so clever with his wit and adept with turns of phrases. James was never afraid to be silly, have fun, or embarrass his children. In fact, he got great joy out of the latter.

When James was afforded some free time, he spent it at his cabin in Cass County on Lake Inguadona. Sometimes he fished, sometimes he mowed the grass, but most of the time he just wanted to watch the news and Family Guy near a lake. James enjoyed hunting with his family, it didn’t matter if he shot the big buck or not, he simply relished the time in the woods with his loved ones. The most entertaining hunting trips for James were butter hunts; if there was a butter sale in a 60-mile radius, he was going to find it. James scoffed at the words, “Limit 2.”

James was an involved community member during his life in Waseca. He belonged to the Waseca Rotary Club, the Masons Lodge #77, The Knights of Columbus, and the American Legion, just to name a few.

James was a man whose love revolved around his family. He was beaming when he was around them or talking about them. He loved all his children and grandchildren, the ones he had and the ones he gained, with all his heart.

James is survived by his four children, Matthew (Darcy) Staloch of Osakis, Mark (Courtney) Staloch of Dassel, Micah (Liv) Staloch of Mankato, and Ann (Steven) Fitch of Waseca; his grandchildren Mackenzie (Kyle) Petermeier of Wadena, Morgan Staloch, Luke Staloch, Seth Staloch all of Osakis, and Toren Staloch of Mankato; his great-grandchild Jaya Petermeier of Wadena; his brother Tom (Judy) Staloch of Mankato; his sister Marie (Lynn) Olson of Amboy; and his brother-in-law Lon DeFrance of Boynton Beach, FL. James will be thoroughly missed by all of his nieces and nephews, Uncle Jim was one of a kind. He was preceded in death by his wife Vicki; his parents Henry and Marcella; and his parents-in-law, Forrest and Helen DeFrance.