James Lee Kollmann

James “Jim” Lee Kollmann, age 81 of North Mankato, passed away on Friday, July 31, 2026 surrounded by family at his home.

Mass of Christian burial will be 11:00am Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Catholic Church of St. Peter, St. Peter with Military and Red Men Honors to follow. Visitation is two hours prior at church. Private family burial will be at Calvary Cemetery, St. Peter. To leave a condolence for the family, please visit www.saintpeterfuneralhome.com.

Jim was born January 18, 1945 to Oscar and Doris (Steihm) in Mankato. When he was a young boy, his family moved to the family farm north of Nicollet where Jim attended Nicollet Public School, graduating with the class of 1963. After graduation, he enlisted in the Army National Guard serving active duty for 6 months, and 5 ½ years of inactive duty. On August 6, 1966, Jim married his high school sweetheart, Sue Peters. He worked at Schmidt’s Meat Market, Kato Engineering, and owned Jim’s Café before beginning his career with the Nicollet County Sheriff’s Department in 1968; serving as Deputy, Investigator, Chief Deputy and two terms as Nicollet County Sheriff before retiring in 2002.

Jim was a member of the Church of St. Peter, American Legion, and Red Men Club; all in St. Peter. In his younger days, he loved spending time outdoors hunting. Jim loved the farm. He spent 35 years working on the farm in the spring and fall for both friends and family. After retirement, Jim purchased 10 acres on County 13 and built a shed and home, where he made a beautiful yard and picnic area for Sue and family. He enjoyed working in the yard (which was perfectly groomed at all times), woodworking, and attending his grandchildren’s activities.

Jim is survived by his wife, Sue; Children: Brenda (Tony) Smith, Deb (Tom) Johnson, and Andrew (Stephanie) Kollmann; grandchildren: Tyler (Jenny) Hokanson, Amanda (Cody) Nicklay, Laura Smith (Max Degrood), Ben Johnson, Mitchell (Sidney) Johnson, Ellie Johnson (fiancé Andrew Cline), Liora Kollmann, and Ettalie Kollmann; great-grandchildren: Mia Hokanson, Brooklyn Nicklay, Camdyn Nicklay, Brooks Johnson, and Harvey Johnson; brother Gary Kollmann; and sisters: Darlene Pehling, and Vicky Hudson; and many other relatives and close friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Ron (Donna) Kollman; brothers-in-law: Willard Pehling, and Bob Hudson; and great-grandchildren: Levi Hokanson, and Madalyn Hokanson.

Jim loved his family, his Lord, and his country. He will be truly missed!