James (Jim) Joseph Haberkorn, age 80, of Cottage Grove went to heaven to be with Jesus on Monday, May 8, 2023.

Jim was born December 25,1942 to Herbert and Eileen Haberkorn. After the death of Eileen, Herbert married Ethel, and together they raised Jim in a Christian home.

Jim began his professional career at Murphy Motor Freight where he met the love of his life, Dorothy. They were married on June 18th, 1966. He continued in the trucking industry with positions at Wintz and Dedicated Logistics and was a long-time member of the Minnesota Trucking Association. Even after his retirement in 2013, he continued to work part-time. This provided him with the opportunity to enjoy the weekly donuts and lunches with a great group of co-workers. He also looked forward to "working" at the State Fair every year.

Jim was a member at Trinity/Crown of Life Lutheran Church. He held many church leadership positions and served on the school boards at St. John Lutheran School and St. Croix Lutheran High School. He was an active member of the Elmhurst and Riverview cemetery boards. Jim was also passionate about music and was a long-time member of the church choir.

For more than 25 years, Jim participated on a bowling team and invested hundreds of hours watching the Minnesota sports teams. He enjoyed playing 500 and Scrabble with family and friends. His travels included vacations to Ireland, Branson, and St Lucia. Jim went on many road trips throughout the Midwest with his wife to find the best slice of pie! His grandchildren were blessed to have him at many of their sporting and musical events.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Dorothy; three children Rick (Kristyn) Haberkorn of Cannon Falls, MN, Lori (Kevin) Kowitz of Inver Grove Heights, MN, and Deb (Jason) Crowley of St. Paul, MN, grandchildren Kirsten (Casey) George, Katelyn (Ryan) Bolte, Kelsey Kowitz, Joshua (Kayla) Haberkorn, Samuel Haberkorn, Matthew Haberkorn, and Alexander Crowley; great-grandchildren Lincoln, Brynlee, and Colette Bolte and Raelynn George; and brother Dave (Mary) of Prescott, AZ, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Eileen Haberkorn, Herbert and Ethel Haberkorn, and sister, Mary Innes.

Visitation will be this Friday, May 12 from 4:30-7:00 PM. A Christian Funeral Service will be Saturday, May 13 at 11:00 AM with visitation beginning at 9:30 AM. The visitation and service will be held at Crown of Life Lutheran Church in West St. Paul, MN (115 Crusader Ave).

Family and friends are invited to a luncheon after the service with interment to follow at Elmhurst Cemetery in St. Paul, MN.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Crown of Life Lutheran Church or St. Croix Lutheran Academy.