James L. Ling

JAMES LEON LING, age 85, of Ames, IA, formerly of Worthington, died on Friday April 3rd, 2020 peacefully at home. He was born March 25, 1935, in Round Lake, MN to Clifford and Mardella (Stofferahn) Ling. He was one of eight children and attended Round Lake HS graduating in 1954. He joined the military in 1955 and served his country in the United States Army.

On July 4, 1957, Jim met Margaret Bartosh, the love of his life for 63 years united in marriage on June 17, 1958. Together they had 3 sons, which he took extreme pride in Mike, Kevin, & Scott. He was a great father who always took care of his children and did the best he could to teach and guide them, a loving and involved grandfather and great-grandfather.

He had a long-standing relationship with God and was very blessed with his faith to his dying breath. He was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Worthington, MN and Saint Cecllia’s Catholic Church, Ames, IA. Jim will be forever remembered for his beautiful smile, gentle eyes, caring heart, loving embrace and unconditional love.

Jim was incredibly proud of his occupation as a plumber which began at Fauskee Plumbing & Heating where he became a partner/owner until 1987. He started Ling Plumbing in 1988 and continued working, calling it his “hobby” well past retirement.

Three things that Jim loved to do. First his camping adventures specifically being members of Cutty’s Resort Lake Okoboji for over 30 years. Second his trips to Arizona snow-birding during the winter months. Third his annual family gathering in October before traveling to Arizona which he called the “Ling Hollow-Thanks-Mas” get together. He also enjoyed water volleyball, dancing, teasing grandkids & tinkering with projects

Jim was a friend to all, always ready visit and share his infectious smile. He was a member of numerous organizations including Knights of Columbus, Boy Scouts of America, Jaycees of Worthington, American Legion, Marriage Encounter & Engaged Encounter, all of which he truly loved.

Jim is survived by his wife, Margaret Ling, Ames, IA; three sons, Mike (Dawn) Ling, Ames, IA; Kevin Ling, North Mankato MN; and Scott (Diane) Ling, Champlin MN; seven grandchildren, Amber (Ling) Roberts, David (Sarah) Ling, Christina (Josh) Meyn, Justin (Brook) Ling, Matthew Ling, Megan (Ben) Baldwin and Shauna Ling; eight great-grandchildren, Jason, Ethan, Dylan, Gracie, Archie, Dalton, Jackson and Brinnley. Six siblings, Jeanette (Greve) Bob Thompson, Clifford (Mary Ann, Steve, Anthony (Tony), Alan (Linda) & Luann (Shane) Gibson; many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; infant sister Marlene Marie.

Due to Federal and State guidelines on COVID-19 a Mass Celebrating Jim’s life will be held at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Heron Lake, MN with military honors burial taking place at the Sacred Heart Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family through James Ling Memorial Fund at Bankers Trust, 3725 Stange Rd, Ames IA 50010.

Dingmann Funeral Home, in Worthington, is in charge of arrangements.