James Lee Backer

James Backer, of Montevideo, died Thursday, February 16, 2023 at Luther Haven Nursing Home in Montevideo at the age of 82.

Funeral services will be held Friday, February 24, 2023 at 1:00 PM at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Montevideo.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the church on Friday.

Arrangements are with Anderson - TeBeest Funeral Home of Montevideo.   www.andersontebeest.com

James Lee Backer Sr. was born January 26th, 1941 in Raymond, MN to Henry and Alice (Sausele) Backer. He was baptized at the Christian Reformed Church in Raymond and confirmed at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Montevideo. James attended and graduated from Montevideo High School in 1959, where he excelled in baseball and basketball. After high school James attended Mankato State University, pursuing a degree in political science, and was a member of the University baseball team. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1964 and was stationed in Germany. James received his honorable discharge from the service in 1970. He was united in marriage to Loraye Larson on September 26th, 1969 in Watertown, SD. They made their home in Montevideo and together had six children. James was the owner and operator of Bakes Place in Montevideo and spent time managing the Montevideo American Legion for many years. He helped move the American Legion from Main Street to its current location and was very proud of this accomplishment. He also managed the Montevideo Spartans baseball team. He worked for Urethane Systems for many years until he and Loraye gave up their jobs to take care of their son Wade, at home, who was critically injured in a car accident, which required 24/7 care up until the time of his passing in 1988. James was known for enjoying life to the fullest and for having a great sense of humor. He was very family oriented and would take his family on trips frequently. James passed away peacefully with his family by his side.

James is survived by his wife Loraye, children, Heidi (Jeff) Flinn of Montevideo, Candace Lageson of Madison, MN, James (Angie) Backer Jr. of Montevideo, Bridget (Jeff) Mills of Montevideo, and Pamela Deininger of Germany. Grandchildren, Casey, Corey Olson, Josh (Aimee) Hilbrands, Katie Flinn (significant other, Derek), Kayla Beatty, Jeffrey "Huck" Flinn III, Lucas, Tanner, and Maddilyn Lageson, Morgan, Brittney, and Payten Backer, Tucker (fiancée, Mayson), Sommer, and Maxamus Mills (fiancée, Amber) and Michael (Jessica) Deininger; great grandchildren, Peyton, Hailee, Harper, Gracelynn, Jackson, Bennet, Ryder, Miles, Audrey, Kinley, Taeya, Bryson, Bella, Landon, Nathan, Josephine, Axel, Harvey, and Kai, and several other extended family and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Bill Backer, mother and father-in-law, Lloyd and Fern Larson, sons, Joel Olson and Wade Olson, son- in-law, Ulf Deininger, daughter, Diana, and granddaughter, Amanda Flinn.  

Blessed be his memory.