James "Jim" M Yoder

James M. “Jim” Yoder, 73, of rural Kalona, passed from this life on Saturday, April 6, 2024, at his home following a brief illness. A funeral service will be held Friday, April 12, 2024, at 10:00 AM at the Peterseim Funeral Home in Kalona. The service will be available via Livestream at the Beatty Peterseim Facebook and YouTube pages. Burial will follow at the Lower Deer Creek Cemetery in rural Kalona. Visitation will be held Thursday, April 11, from 4 – 7 PM at the Peterseim Funeral Home in Kalona. A memorial fund has been established for the CommUnity Crisis Services.

James Monroe Yoder was born December 6, 1950, in Iowa City, the son of Monroe D. and Luella Fern (Yoder) Yoder. He graduated from Mid-Prairie High School and earned a BA in Journalism from Iowa State University. He was united in marriage to Marilyn Hanson on August 2, 1975, they later divorced. Jim worked as a transportation director at Yoder Feeds, Hawkeye Foods and Xata Corporation. Jim was a member of the Kalona United Methodist Church where he had served as treasurer and on the trustee committee. He also served as a Washington Township Trustee, was a member of the Jaycees and coached little league. Jim enjoyed connecting with people and never knew a stranger. He was an avid gardener and it brought him great joy to share his produce and popcorn with others. Jim loved to watch movies, go for walks and spend time with his grandchildren.

Survivors include four children: Greg Yoder of Wadena, IA, Stephanie Arensdorf of Janesville, IA, Elizabeth (Kyle) Kling of Columbus Junction, IA, Sarah Smith of Kalona, nine grandchildren: Tristan, Aria, Austin, Mira, Laia, Evelyn, Kali, Emma and Nikolai; and four siblings: Karen Miller of Iowa City, Bev Bauer of North Oaks, MN, Boni Yoder of Riverside and Cherie (Nathan) Miller of Kalona, and a number of nieces and nephews.

Preceding Jim in death were his parents and two brothers-in-law: Charles “Chip” Miller and William Bauer.