Obituary of James Dech

Born 1/24/27 – Died April 10, 2016 This kind and gentle man passed away peacefully surrounded by family on 4/10/16. He was preceded in death by parents Jacob & Elizabeth (Gillen), brother Bill (Dee), sisters Marcia (Vic) Berra, & Tess (Rob) Lodge. Survived by wife Thora of 51 years. Children Charlene (Steve Kern), Eric (Dar), Kristin (Jay Stills). Grandchildren Eva, Jacob, Max, Julian, Gabrielle, Robbie & Evan, sisters Pat Gange and Clare (John) Maturen. Cretin High School class of 1945. Served in the Navy for 2 years as an Electronics Technician. Earned an Electrical Engineering degree from the University of Minnesota in 1957. Jim was a computer pioneer in the 1960s & 70s. He enjoyed a 37-year career as a technical writer at Univac/Unisys. More than anything Jim valued family & his Catholic faith. He had a great reverence & joy for family traditions; for example, he was reigning Chairman of the Association of Sausage Stuffers (A.S.S.). Jim loved Christmas & decorated his tree to perfection. He enjoyed every performance of 55 years that he sang with the 3M chorus. Special thanks to the staff of Marian of Saint Paul -Cerenity and HealthEast Hospice staff especially Karen, Jessica & Lisa. Mass of Christian Burial, 10AM, Wednesday, April 13 at Marian of Saint Paul – Cerenity, 220 Earl St. Visitation 1 hour before the Mass. Luncheon to follow. Burial with Honors at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Memorials preferred to Cretin-Derham Hall High Shcool or Marian of Saint Paul -Cerenity.