Obituary of James Carl Bries

James C. Bries, 78, of Dyersville, and formerly of Luxemburg, passed into eternal life on Sunday, March 2, 2014, at Mercy Medical Center in Dubuque. Friends may call from 2:00 - 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 5, 2014, at Kramer Funeral Home, 750 12th Ave SW in Dyersville. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, March 6, 2014, at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville with burial in Holy Trinity Cemetery, Luxemburg, Iowa. Rev. Phil Kruse will officiate with Rev. John Ptacek concelebrating. Jim was born February 15, 1936, at home in Luxemburg, Iowa, the son of Arnold P. and Regina (Ulbrich) Bries. He was the sixth child of seventeen siblings. He graduated from St. Boniface High School in New Vienna, Iowa and after a short military service in the US Army he married Darlene Kruse of Petersburg on September 13, 1960, at SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Petersburg, Iowa. Jim began his 41 year career at the Dubuque Packing House in 1959 and continued until it closed in 2000. Jim and Darlene bought their family farm near Luxemburg in 1963 and farmed until 2011 when they moved to Dyersville Iowa. He loved interacting with others, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren. They were his pride and joy, especially the time they spent together on the farm. Jim was a life-long hunter, fisherman, and gardener which he developed passions for as a child. During his time away from work he loved helping others, playing Euchre, or just having a good conversation. Jim loved red cars and green tractors. Surviving are his loving wife and partner of 53 years, Darlene, and their four children: Cathy (Karl) Kramer of Dyersville, Connie (Neal) Kluesner of Bankston, Chuck (Christina) Bries of Marion, and Cindy (Mark "Chuck") Kramer of Epworth; eleven grandchildren, Jayme (Stephanie) Kramer, Nicole (Mike) Seipp and Kyle Kramer, Jesse Kluesner and Joshua Kluesner (fiance Kellie Werner), Jordan Kluesner (fiance Sarah Boeckenstedt), Zach Hart, Sam and Charlie Bries, Cody and Isabella Gardner; six great grandchildren: Ella and Emma Kramer, Gabrielle and Christian Seipp, Aubrey and Jocelyn Kluesner; his brother and sisters: Imogene Feldmann, LeRoy (Verna) Bries, Roger Bries, Virgil (Janice) Bries, Kenneth (Lois) Bries, Elmer (Theresa) Bries, Michael (Marita) Bries, Thelma (David) Oberbroeckling, Charles (Mary) Bries, Ronald (Lee) Bries, Gerald (Karen) Bries,Harold (Lois) Bries, Arnold Jr. (Joyce) Bries and Carol (John) Hartmann; 3 brothers-in-law: Donald (Dorothy) Wille, Alfred (Betty) Kruse and Larry (Julie) Kruse; Jim was preceded in death by his parents, sisters: Anna Marie in infancy and Jo Ann Willie; mother and father in law, Veronica and Raymond Kruse; and brothers-in-law; Carl Feldman and Raymond Kruse Jr. in infancy. We appreciate the extra love and prayers we have received from our family, friends , and neighbors during these difficult times. Thank you Mercy Hospital - 3 West staff, Ennoble caregivers, especially Peggy Roling, for the care and compassion you provided him.