James Knofczynski
James “Jimmy” Knofczynski, age 88, of rural Ivanhoe, Minn., passed away on Friday, Feb. 13, 2026 at the HCHA Nursing Home in Hendricks, Minn. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, at St. John Cantius Catholic Church in Wilno, Minn. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial with military honors will be at the St. John Cantius Catholic Cemetery near Wilno. Houseman Funeral Home, Birk Chapel has been entrusted with the arrangements.
James Roger Knofczynski was born on Nov. 15, 1936 in Royal Township, Lincoln County, Minnesota to Victor and Pauline (Chlopkowiak) Knofczynski.
He attended school in Ivanhoe through the eighth grade. From a young age, Jimmy often helped his father and brothers on the farm, starting his lifelong dedication to farming. He had a profound love for the land, raising animals, and caring for the farm.
Jimmy never married but he devoted much of his life to caring for his parents and his brother, Norbert. Norbert, just one year older, worked faithfully alongside him for many years. Together, they enjoyed attending auctions, tinkering with machinery, and working from sun up to sun down.
In later years, Jimmy faced several health challenges and was no longer able to drive. When he wanted to visit the farm, he would take his skid steer out, sit quietly, and watch the world go by. He also enjoyed watching wrestling and games shows on television and was a lifelong member of St. John Cantius Catholic Church.
Jimmy passed away on Feb. 13, 2026 at the Hendricks Nursing Home at the age of 88 years, 2 months, and 29 days.
Jimmy is survived by his siblings: Norbert Knofczynski and Marcia Kompelien. He also leaves behind his nieces and nephew: Lisa (Greg) Fridrich, Cody (Shelby) and Tyler; Jodi Christensen, Austin (Hannah), Audie and Annie; Adam (Abby) and Shelby (fiancé, Josh Athey); Kelly (Travis) Whitesitt, Avery and Charles; Sarah (Tim) Anderson, Jordan (Olivia), Emma, and Madi Mernaugh; Tony Knofczynski and Michelle Knofczynski.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Victor and Pauline; brother, Patrick Knofczynski; niece, Melanie; sister, Carole Jordan; and brothers-in-law, Arnold Kompelien and Ray Jordan.
Blessed be his memory.