James A. Atkinson
LITTLE FALLS -- James Allan Atkinson, 85, Little Falls, died Sunday, Aug. 27, 2000, at St. Gabriel's Hospital in Little Falls.
He was born Dec. 1, 1914, in Bird Island, to Louis Albert and Lucy (McLaughlin) Atkinson. He lived in the Bird Island area until age 8 when he moved to St. Paul. He graduated from high school in St. Paul in 1933. He entered the Army on Oct. 20, 1942, and served until 1946. He received the American Theater Service medal and the Good Conduct medal. Following the service, he attended the University of Minnesota, graduating in 1948. He worked as a social worker for Catholic Charities in St. Paul. In 1950, he moved to Wadena where he was a county social worker and later the director of social services. He married Isabelle Schindler on June 14, 1952, in St. Anthony Church in St. Cloud. The couple lived in Wadena until 1953 when they moved to Little Falls. He was the director of social services in Little Falls until his retirement in 1980. He was a member of the Little Falls American Legion Post 46, Knights of Columbus, Rotary Club, and St. Mary's Catholic Church, where he served on the parish council and numerous boards for various organizations in the Little Falls community.
Survivors include his wife; two sons, Robert Atkinson, Massillon, Ohio, Dan Atkinson, Litchfield; two daughters Mary Lastovich, Baxter, Ruth Atkinson, Monticello; and six grandchildren.
Four brothers and three sisters died earlier.
Services will be 1 p.m. Wednesday at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Little Falls, with Father Nick Landsberger officiating. Burial will be in the parish cemetery.
Friends may call from 5-8 p.m. today and from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Shelley Funeral Chapel in Little Falls. Parish prayers will be 5:30 p.m. today followed by Knights of Columbus at 7:30 p.m.