James "Jim" Jesse Pensak

James “Jim” Jesse Pensak age 93 of Brookston, MN passed away Thursday, July

4, 2024 at Guardian Angels Health and Rehab Center in Hibbing. He was born

September 12, 1930 to Joseph and Theresa (Hudack) Pensak. Jim started work at

the Potlatch Paper Company when he was 17 years old. After his brother went

missing in action during the Korean War Jim joined the US Navy at age 21.

During his time with the Navy Jim participated in boxing. After his honorable

discharge in 1955 he went back to work at the paper mill, he would continue to

work there for over 40 years until his retirement. On July 14, 1956 Jim was joined

in marriage to a girl that lived one house over in Brookston, Ethel Kangas, they

enjoyed almost 68 years of marriage. Jim and Ethel had a farm in Alborn, MN

before settling back in Brookston in 2000. Jim enjoyed deer hunting, working on

the farm, and gardening. His greatest love was his wife, kids, grandchildren, great-

grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. Jim had a big heart and would help

everyone he possibly could. He was a member of the VFW in Floodwood and a

volunteer driver (with his wife) for social services for many years. Jim is survived

by his wife 67 years, Ethel Pensak, daughters, Brenda (Bruce) Johnson, Julie

Colbert, grandchildren, Brandon (Deanna) Johnson, Brayden Johnson, Winter

Severson, Taylor Colbert, Trey Colbert, great-grandchildren, Natalie, Emily,

Caitlin, Landon, Berlin and Kinley, great-great grandchildren, Anakin and

Clementine, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his

parents, Joseph and Theresa, siblings, Helen Zoubek, John Pensak, Margaret Aho,

Christine Aho, Emery Pensak, Tom Pensak, Frank Pensak, Sophie Ruzinski,

Annie Jatkola, Pauline Wilson, Paul Pensak, and Katie Axtell. A memorial service

for Jim will be held at 11:00am on Friday, July 12th at Hope Lutheran Church in

Floodwood. Visitation will be held from 10:00 am until the beginning of the service at 11:00 am at the church. 

Interment will be held at Arrowhead Cemetery in Brookston. The

Floodwood Honor Guard will accord military honors.