James Zdanowicz, 64

Cresco -  James Zdanowicz, age 64 of Cresco, Iowa, died Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016 at Gundersen Lutheran Hospital in LaCrosse, Wis. 

Visitation was Dec. 2 at Lindstrom Funeral Home, followed by a time for sharing of memories.

James "Jim" Anthony Zdanowicz was born March 25, 1952 at Cresco to Francis and Leona (Scott) Zdanowicz. Jim graduated from Crestwood High School in 1970. On June 9, 1974 he married Cheri Jones. Two children, Kristi and Jim, were born to this union and joined Cheri's two daughters, Lesa and Tasha. 

Jim farmed in the Granger area for most of his life. He also worked as an assembler at Featherlite for 15 years, retiring in 2014. During retirement he was able to return to his love of farming by helping his daughter and son-in-law, Kristi and Darrick.

Jim was known for enjoying time outdoors, canoeing the Upper Iowa River, fishing and hunting deer and squirrel with his muzzle loader, with his dog, Cassie, as a constant companion. He was very proud of the elk he had shot and mounted. Every deer season, he enjoyed hunting with his buddies and made deer jerky to give away, along with his homemade salsa and pickling fish he caught. 

Jim was well-known for his left-handed fast pitch when playing softball. Additionally, he enjoyed four-wheeling, playing cards/cribbage, spending time with family and friends visiting at the farm and hanging out at the 'grainery' and the cabin along the Upper Iowa River.

Jim is survived by four children, Kristi (Darrick) Burnikel of Cresco, Jimmy Zdanowicz of Cresco, Lesa Jacobson (James Hellem) of Harmony, Minn. and Tasha (Troy) Hart of Cresco; eight grandchildren, Kelsey Burnikel, Shelby Burnikel, Blake Zdanowicz, Brandon Jacobson, Bryan Jacobson (fiancée Becca Tillman), Bradley Jacobson (friend Sydney Krogstad), Lacey Hart (fiancé Dana Kitchen) and Levi Hart (friend Jessica Hansmeier); two great-grandchildren, Winston Kitchen and Adelynn Jacobson; three siblings, his twin sister, Jane (Dave) Bigalk of Lake Havasu City, Ariz., Kathleen Wilkinson of Rochester, Minn. and Robin (Lynn) Goldsworthy of Rochester; a sister-in-law, Mary Hatfield of Hospers, Iowa; a brother-in-law, Doc Melver of Cresco; his nieces and nephews; and his two dogs, Abby and Bear. 

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and their spouses, Francis (Joann) Zdanowicz and Leona (John) Mills; three siblings, Johnny Zdanowicz, Mary Lou McCall and Scott Hatfield; a step-sister, Sharon Melver; and his favorite dog, Cassie.