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James (“Jim”) Carlyle Klinke, 69, of Chisago City, Minnesota, passed away Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at Regions Hospital in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Jim and his twin sister, Janice, were born to Beatrice and Carlyle Klinke in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin, on November 14, 1956. They joined two older siblings, Jean and David Rambow, and were raised on the Klinke farm on Highway 95 between Taylors Falls and Palmdale. Jim graduated from Taylors Falls High School in 1974 and studied agriculture at the University of Minnesota – Waseca. He eventually purchased the family farm and operated hundreds of additional acres in Chisago County. In addition to raising crops, he enjoyed raising cattle and hogs. He was a successful full-time farmer until his retirement.

Jim was well versed in farming, current events, politics, religion, county governance and virtually any other thing anyone wanted to talk to him about. He served on many different committees and boards, most notably the Chisago County Planning Commission. He was an extraordinary conversationalist who was happy to chat with neighbors, friends, family, and total strangers alike. He was also an avid hunter and fisherman, having made many hunting and fishing trips “out west” or “up north” with family or friends. A cutthroat card player with an uncanny ability to count cards, Jim could bring even the most worthy adversaries to their knees while playing 500, euchre, or poker. He also enjoyed golfing, bowling, and snowmobiling in his spare time. 

Of all the things he raised on the Klinke farm, Jim was most proud of his two sons, Jacob and Daniel, who were with him at the time of his death and at his side whenever and wherever he needed them. 

In addition to Jacob and Daniel, Jim is survived by his grandsons, Rhett and Briggs Klinke; his daughter in law, Kayla Klinke; his daughter in law to be, Lola Munson; his sister, Janice Klinke; his former wife, Patti, with whom he renewed a meaningful friendship in recent years; and many nephews, nieces, neighbors and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Jean Rambow, and his brother, David Rambow.

Funeral services for Jim will take place at 11 a.m.  Saturday, October 10, 2026, at Chisago Lake Lutheran Church in Center City, Minnesota, with visitation an hour before the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Jim’s name to Chisago Lake Lutheran Church or a charity of the donor’s choice.

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