James Edward Outly age 83 of Delano passed away on Friday, December 3, 2021. He was born July 29, 1938, to William and Ida (Clark) Outly in Monticello, Minnesota.

Jim grew up on the family farm and graduated from Maple Lake High School. He was President of his FFA chapter, sang in choir, repaired farm equipment and played accordion. He considered a life in the priesthood, but his love of music drew him to a Saturday-night dance where he met his future bride. He was united in marriage to Doris Hausladen on July 2, 1958, at St. Mary’s Church in Waverly. To this union five children were blessed. Jim was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather.

He spent as much time as possible outdoors: snowmobiling, hunting, camping and fishing – in a boat or on the ice. Jim was a member of the Delano Sportsman’s club for many years and believed deeply in their mission of responsible stewardship. He spent time and care passing his pursuits to his children and grandchildren, camping with extended family and giving rides on the 4-wheeler to the great grandchildren when the weather allowed. No matter how crazy the world around him became, he found inspiration, peace and the Divine in the wilderness.

Jim was mechanically inclined and possessed the ability to create things with his hands. A skilled sheet metal fabricator, he worked with wood, cement, and metal, creating custom designs for private sale or the local sport shop. His creations include depth-finders, wood stoves, display racks, spice racks, bookshelves and more. He enjoyed the challenge of filling a need with a unique, custom-made creation, managing the process from concept sketching to fabrication, finishing and delivery.

He cultivated his passions for the outdoors, metal and woodworking, and accordion music until recently when his health diminished.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife Doris and son Joe. He is survived by his sister Mary Johnson, children Bill Outly, Theresa Vick, Rebecca (Laszlo) Nemesi and Ben Outly; 11 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

Mass of Christian Burial was held on Friday, December 10, 2021, at 11 a.m. at St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Church, St. Peter’s campus. Visitation took place on Thursday, December 9, 2021, from 4 to 8 p.m. with a 7 p.m. prayer service in St. Martha’s Hall of the St. Peter campus. Visitation continued Friday from 10 to 11 a.m. in St. Martha’s Hall prior to the Mass. Interment was in the Calvary Cemetery in Delano, Minnesota.

The Mass will be live-streamed through the link provided below: