James Eitrheim

James (Jim) Alden Eitrheim passed away April 16, 2011 at home surrounded by his family after a 5 month struggle with cancer. He was born Feb. 21, 1933 on a farm in Baltic SD. He graduated from Augustana College in 1958 after taking two years out for service in the United States Navy. Jim served aboard the destroyer USS Rowe. On August 17, 1958 he married his college sweetheart Diane C. Johnson. Jim received his Masters of Arts in the spring of 1959 from the University of Illinois at Urbana and in the fall of that same year he began a 31 year teaching career at Oak Park and River Forest High School, in Oak Park IL.

He retired from OPRFHS in the spring of 1990 and accepted a faculty position teaching theater at The University of Sioux Falls in South Dakota. Jim retired once again in 1998 after a wonderful 39 years in the teaching profession. In 2000 Jim and Diane moved to their current home in Pequot Lakes, MN.

He served for over 5 years on the Joseph Jefferson Award Committee in Chicago IL. In 1990 Jim was honored by his Alma Mater with their Outstanding Alumni Achievement and Service Award.

Throughout his life Jim has always been an active member of the Lutheran faith, serving on various committees and choirs. He is currently a member of Lutheran Church of the Cross, Nisswa MN.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents Dan and Selma Eitrheim, his brother Donald, and his niece Susan Lankford.

Jim is survived by his wife Diane, son Kristofer (Eileen) of Bettendorf IA, daughter Karin (Steve) Maas of Chanhassen MN, son Erik (Dawn) of Owatonna MN, brother Norm (Clarice) of Sioux Falls SD, sister Esther (Bill) Boadwine of Baltic SD, sister-in-law Joan Eitrheim of Crooks, SD. He rejoiced in the lives of his 5 grandchildren: Greta, Ingrid, Alec, Erik & Ava, and his 9 nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at Lutheran Church of the Cross on May 7th, 2011 at 1:00pm with a reception to follow.

Memorials are requested to the following funds:

The Jim Eitrheim Theatre Scholarship at Augustana College, Sioux Falls, SD

The James Eitrheim Award for Excellence in Dramatic Arts, Oak Park and River Forest High School, Oak Park , IL

Lighting for the Sanctuary at Lutheran Church of the Cross, Nisswa, MN.