Obituaries

James Richard “Jim” Nerge, age 79, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 4, 2024, at St. Mary’s Hospital, Madison. He was born on March 21, 1945, in Lakefield, MN, the son of Elmer and Margaret (Birkland) Nerge. Jim graduated from Mankato High School, Mankato, MN, in 1963. He attained his bachelor’s degree at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, where he met his wife, Candace “Candy” Larson. They were united in marriage on March 4, 1967. They were blessed with two daughters, Angela and Mindy. Jim was a band director and teacher for Madison Public Schools, spending most of his nearly 40-year career at Jefferson Middle School. Before and after retirement, Jim led and organized student tour groups in Washington D.C.

During the summers, Jim worked as a park ranger at Devil’s Lake State Park. He also loved camping and traveling with his family, especially to Door County. He was widely known for his jokes and stories. Jim was a member of professional bands, that released multiple albums and performed regionally. One of his favorite memories was jamming with “The Funky Drummer,” Clyde Stubblefield.

Jim and Candy moved from Madison to Verona in 2006, where they joined St. James Lutheran Church. Jim was an active member of the choir and shared even more jokes and stories.

He is survived by his wife, Candy; daughters, Angela Mitchum and Mindy (Jim) Storch; grandchildren, Lilia Mitchum, Jacob Storch, Alex Mitchum, and Hannah Storch; siblings, Joanne (Dan) Maas and Don (Teresa) Nerge; sister-in-law, Heidi (Blair) Salter; brother-in-law, Robbin (Laurie) Larson; nieces, nephews, other relatives and countless friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Margaret.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 15, 2024 at ST. JAMES LUTHERAN CHURCH, 427 S. Main Street, Verona, with Rev. Peter Narum officiating. Visitation will be held from 3-5 p.m. on Sunday, April 14, at Ryan Funeral Home, 220 Enterprise Drive, Verona and also from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Monday at the church.

Memorials may be made to the Madison Public Schools Foundation – Music Endowment Fund,

https://schoolsmakemadison.org/donate/funds/music-endowment-fund/

or to St. James Lutheran Church,

https://stjamesverona.org/2021/02/make-a-gift/

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: ryanfuneralservice.com.