James Michael Czeck

James "Jim" M. Czeck, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and cherished family member, passed away peacefully at his home on December 5, 2025, at the age of 90. Born weighing just three pounds in Bowlus, Minnesota, on May 13, 1935. He graduated from South St. Paul High School in 1953, where he played football & track and met his future wife, Joyce. Jim lived a full life marked by dedication to his family and the values he held dear, including faith in God and service to the community. An active and devoted member of St. Odilia Catholic Church, where he served as a confirmation teacher for many years, sharing his faith with younger generations. He also gave back to his community by coaching youth baseball and as a member of the Shoreview Lions Club. He honorably served as a cook in the Minnesota National Guard from 1955 to 1963, reflecting his commitment to service and his compassion for those around him. Jim built a long and respected career as a meat cutter. He completed meat cutter school in Ohio in 1956 and went on to work at several small neighborhood grocery stores in the Twin Cities, including Jiffy "Jack's" Market in North Oaks. In 1973, Zeck's Market was built on the site of the former Jiffy Market. From 1973 to 1989, Jim was co-owner of Zeck's Market alongside his brother Carl, serving the North Oaks community with pride. After the property was bought out, Jim relocated Zeck's Market to the former Knowlan's Supermarket site on Rice Street at Highway 694 in Shoreview, where it operated for several years. He later completed his career as a meat cutter at Rademacher's Fresh Foods in Prior Lake, retiring in 1998. Those who knew him will remember his strong work ethic, steady presence, warm spirit, and the care he showed to friends, customers, employees, and loved ones throughout his life. In his later years, Jim experienced overwhelming health challenges, which he faced with determination, grace, and always a smile on his face. He was known for never complaining, and a favorite saying of his was, "Life is good!" Jim especially enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, particularly at the family cabin on Lake Skogman in Cambridge, where he loved fishing. boating, and being outdoors. Over the course of their marriage, Jim and Joyce also shared a love of travel, exploring destinations throughout the United States and abroad, creating many cherished memories together. Jim is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 70 years, Joyce Ann Dorma, whom he married on September 17, 1955, at St. John Vianney Church. He will be deeply missed by his children: Jim Czeck, Jr. (Rozie), Jennie Michels (Dan), Sheri Taddeo (Bernie), Father Tom Czeck, Lisa Westly (Chip), and Anthony Czeck (Leyna); his grandchildren: Katie Carlson (Reed), Bridget Hallstrom (Mark), Kelsey Macaskill (Justin), Nicholas Taddeo (Mariane), Julie Taddeo, Sophia Westly, and Benjamin Westly; and his great-grandchildren: Lauren, Molly, and Tommy Carlson; Jack and Noelle Hallstrom; Layton Macaskill; and Adam Taddeo. He is also survived by his siblings: David Czeck (Janey). Maryann Jurek, Mike Czeck (Judy). Henry Czeck (Charlene), Rosie Olson (Gary), and Annette Czeck; and sisters-in-law: Marceen Morris and Diane Kaiser (Denny). He was preceded in death by his loved ones who now welcome him home including parents: Mike and Rose (Schlichting) Czeck; daughter, Mary; brothers, Melvin and Carl; brothers-in-law: Roy Jurek, Gerald Dorma, Roger Dorma, and Dave Morns; and sisters-in-law: Nancy Czeck, Judy Czeck, Mary Dorma, and Darlene Dorma. There will be a family gathering on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at 10am followed by a Mass at 11 am at St. Odilia Catholic Church located at 3495 Victoria St N, Shoreview, MN 55126. A luncheon will follow the Mass. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in Jim's name to the Shoreview /Arden Hills Lions Club or Our Lady of Peace Hospice & Home Health Care. Jim Czeck will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. His life of faith and service leaves a lasting legacy of love, generosity, and devotion to others.

Tributes

James Michael Czeck

May 13, 1935 - December 5, 2025

Tributes

James Michael Czeck

May 13, 1935 - December 5, 2025

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