James Wik

James Wik of Montevideo died on Friday, May 2, 2025 at CCM Health in Montevideo at the age of 87.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00AM on Saturday, May 10, 2025 at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Montevideo with Rev. Donald S. McKee officiating. Burial will be in Sunset Memorial Cemetery in Montevideo.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 PM on Friday, May 9, 2025 at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Montevideo and will continue an hour before the service on Saturday.

James Melvin Wik was born in Montevideo on December 13, 1937, to Melvin and Mabel (Whitman) Wik. He was baptized on Nov. 12, 1947 and confirmed on May 18, 1952 at Immanuel Lutheran Church. He graduated from Milan High School in 1955.

Jim married the love of his life, Alta Lynne, on July 30, 1960. They lived and proudly farmed in Big Bend Township for 45 years before moving to Montevideo in 2009. Besides being a dedicated farmer, Jim was very involved in his faith and service. He made significant contributions to Immanuel Lutheran Church as a member and fulfilled various roles on the church council. Jim also served on the Milan School Board. After moving to Montevideo, Jim served on advisory boards at the Montevideo Senior Citizen Center and at Copper Glen senior living community. Jim and Alta had the honor of serving as Fiesta Days Senior Royalty.

Jim had a love for sports. He played football, basketball and baseball in HS and continued to play town team baseball for the Montevideo Spartans. In retirement, Jim became a craftsman in woodworking specializing in wall shelves and various stands, bookshelves and toy accessories at request from his children and grandchildren. Jim and Alta enjoyed many summers at the lake in retirement spending time with friends and family. Jim also had a love for games. If it involved cards or dice, he was ready to play (and bring your nickels). But, Jim and Alta’s greatest passion was attending sporting events and numerous other activities involving their grandchildren.

Jim is survived by his children: Cindy (Jon) Kanten, Milan, Julie (Mike) Swenson, Dawson, Dave (Julie) Wik, Monticello; grandchildren: Sarah (Kenny) Wientjes, Tyler Kanten, Nikki (Drew) Paradis, Kelly (Tom) Emmerich, Ryan (Justine) Swenson, Jordan Wik, Christian (Katherine Knudson) Kanten, Payton (Ethan DeKam) Wik; great-grandchildren: Logan Wientjes, Journey Kanten, Willow Kanten, Isaac Paradis, Micah Paradis, Caleb Paradis, Sam Emmerich, Ben Emmerich, Owen Swenson, twin Swenson girls on the way; sister; Margaret Warner; brothers-in-law: Donny (Opal) Lynne, Roger (Bernie) Lynne; sister-in-law, Lois Christianson; and numerous extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Alta in 2011 and brothers-in-law, Kenny Lynne, Gene Christenson and Mike Warner.

May his memory be blessed.