James M. Wanberg, 78, Owatonna
A celebration of a wonderful life.
After a valiant fight, James Michael Wanberg, 78, of Owatonna, passed with peace, surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, May 4, 2025. He was a devoted husband, father and most of all “Boompa” (grandfather).
Jim was born on March 7, 1947, in Minneapolis, to Alvin and Bernice Wanberg. The baby boomer of two parents who served during World War II, Jim grew up with his younger brother, Robert, on the SE side of Minneapolis. He belonged to the Boy Scouts and advanced to become an Eagle Scout in 1960, at the age of 13. He graduated from Roosevelt High School in Minneapolis in 1965 and joined the U.S. Air Force in 1966. He served most of his time at the Royal Air Force Base in England and worked through the ranks to become a staff sergeant.
Following an honorable discharge, Jim worked as a toolmaker/pattern maker for a metal spinning company and then took a job as a salesman for Sun Electric Corp. During this time, Jim met the love of his life, Mary Bratsch. They were married in September 1976. They were blessed with two daughters, Angela in 1980 and Jessica in 1981.
The family enjoyed many summers on the water in central Minnesota and endless game nights and movie nights on the weekends. The family loved to travel and saw much of the U.S. and many warm weather destinations. Jim also enjoyed woodworking and riding his motorcycle.
Jim’s final job was with the Marketing Department of the Owatonna Tool Company (OTC). In his 28 years at OTC, he became a Project Manager and participated in the organization “Equipment and Tool Institute" (ETI) to which he was elected president in 1998.
After retirement, Jim enjoyed traveling with his wife, Mary, but he found the most enjoyment and love with the time spent as “Boompa” with his two grandchildren, Elenore and Rosemary.
He is survived by his wife, Mary; two daughters, Angela Wanberg and Jessica (Tom) Flint; two grandchildren, Elenore and Rosemary Flint; brother Robert (Jeannie) Wanberg; as well as many friends and extended family members who will miss him dearly.
Jim will be laid to rest at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis. Memorial donations may be made to the Gary Sinise Foundation (www.garysinisefoundation.org/donate) which assists wounded veterans in creating a home and a comfortable life. This cause was dear to Jim’s heart.