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  James Latzke, of Longville, Minnesota, passed away on September 17, 2026, at the age of 75.

   He was born on November 8, 1950 to John and Lorraine (LaTour) Latzke in Shakopee, MN. He graduated from Belle Plaine High School in 1968.

   He was a devoted family man who treasured the time he spent with those he loved. Some of his happiest moments were outdoors, whether he was hunting, fishing at Cobb Bay Lodge in Canada, or simply enjoying the beauty and peace of nature. He leaves his family and friends with many cherished memories of time spent together.

   James proudly served his country in the United States Army and was stationed in Italy during his military service. He later served his community as an on-call firefighter for the City of Becker, Minnesota. After many years of dedicated service, he retired from the fire department, leaving behind a legacy of courage, dependability, and commitment to helping others.

   He had a gift for making friends wherever he went. His warm personality, easy laughter, and genuine interest in others made people feel welcome and quickly turned strangers into friends.

   James will be remembered for his love of family, his appreciation for the outdoors, and his willingness to serve both his country and his community.

   James is survived by his daughter, Billie Jo (Dustin) Thomas, son, Jimmy (Amber) Latzke, stepsons, Dean McLain and Danny (Molly) McLain, stepdaughter, Lisa (Jerry) Schrupp, brothers, John Latzke and Brian Latzke, sisters, Cheri (Rick) Lemmer, Bev (Scott) Kraus, Judy Spiess, Jan (Bob) Biehler and Patty Hron, grandchildren, Trevor, Madison, Adyson (Jojo), Miranda, Amanda, Justin, Ryan, Jerilyn, Allyn, Maddex, Ashley, Molli and Makayla, multiple great grandchildren, countless nieces and nephews and his best buddy of 60 years, Davey Siehndel. 

   He was preceded in death by his parents John and Lorraine (LaTour) Latzke, brothers, Bob, Roger and Richard (Speedy) Latzke and sister Mary Latzke.

   A Visitation will take place at Kolden Funeral Home in LeSueur, MN, Friday, October 23, 2026, from 4:00 ~ 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. ~ 10:15 a.m. Saturday, October 24 at the Kolden Funeral Home. We will then proceed to St. Anne’s Church, Le Sueur for the 10:30 a.m.  Mass. Father Chris Shofner will officiate. Interment with Military Honors will be in Saint Anne’s Catholic Cemetery, Le Sueur, MN. Luncheon to follow at St. Anne’s School.

   Honorary Urn Bearers: Brian Latzke, John Latzke, David Latzke, Trevor Latzke, Dustin Thomas and Davey Siehndel

   His family will deeply miss his strength, stories, laughter, and steady presence, but his memory will live on in the many lives he touched.

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