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James (Jim) Edward Sabelka dies at 54

Lead Summary

James (Jim) Edward Sabelka, 54, of Denver, died on Friday, July 8, 2016, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City.       Jim was born on June 14, 1962, in New Hampton, the son of Jack and Shirley (Koudelka) Sabelka. Jim was baptized on July 1, 1962, and confirmed in 1978, both at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Reilly Ridge. He graduated from Turkey Valley High School and Hawkeye Tech in Waterloo. He was united in marriage to Sandy Havlik on September 26, 1992, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, New Hampton. Jim had worked for John Deere in Waterloo for 20 years and was currently a Senior Engineer. He loved his job and valued and respected all those he worked with.       Jim was active in the Denver Lions Club, Cyclone Athletic and Music Boosters, and the Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed bike rides with his Pour House biking crew, his yearly Canada fishing trips, hunting with his buddies from back home, and doing countless meticulous fix-it projects around the home for himself and others. His greatest love was his family whom he gave an incredible amount of time, love and support in all that they were involved with.        Jim is survived by his wife, Sandy Sabelka of Denver; a daughter, Taylor Sabelka of Iowa City; a son, Nicholas Sabelka of Denver; his parents, Jack and Shirley Sabelka of rural Lawler; brother, John (Cathy) Sabelka of Racine, Wisconsin; two sisters, Sherrie (Daryl) Balik of Cresco; and Selene (Chris) Schirmer of Calmar; his grandmother, Majella Koudelka of New Hampton; his mother-in-law, Barb Havlik of New Hampton; brothers-in law, Bob (Pat) Havlik of Walker; Greg (Becky) Havlik and Chris (Anna) Havlik of New Hampton; and Joe (Brenda) Arens of Fredericksburg; and his nieces and nephews, John Sabelka, Kristin (Jon) Copeland, Selena, Mackenzie, and Tonya Schirmer.      He was preceded in death by his grandparents, John and Clara Sabelka and James Koudelka; his father-in-law, James Havlik; sisters-in-law, Cathy Gebel and Diane Arens.       Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, July 12, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church in Waverly. Burial will be held in Sacred Heart-Reilly Ridge Cemetery, rural Lawler. Visitation will be held on Monday from 3 to 8 p.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church in Waverly and also for one hour prior to the mass on Tuesday at the church. Memorials may be directed to the family. Online condolences may be left at www.kaisercorson.com Kaiser-Corson Funeral Home in Denver is assisting the family. 319-984-5379 

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