James L Sutter

James “Jim” Lee Sutter, 91, died peacefully on April 27, 2026, at Oak Crossing Nursing Home in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. Jim was born June 20, 1934, in Rock Port, Missouri, the son of Otto and Hattie (Moody) Sutter. He graduated from Rock Port High School in 1952. After graduation, he attended Tarkio College in Tarkio, MO, for one semester, worked on his parents’ farm, and did a variety of other jobs before joining the US Army in 1954. After his enlistment, Jim was based state-side before being stationed in Korea, where he served for about 1 year during the Korean War. Upon his return from Korea, he served in the Army reserves until his marriage to Karen.

On June 1, 1958, Jim was united in marriage to Karen Marie Zach at the United Methodist Church in Rock Port, MO. Over the next 18 years, they resided in several towns in Missouri, Iowa, and Kansas, until finally settling in Moorhead, MN, in 1976. During his adult working life, Jim held a variety of positions with various employers in mostly agriculture- related businesses. In 1973, Jim began working for Butler Manufacturing as a regional sales manager and remained with that organization until his retirement in 1991. In 2010, Jim and Karen made a move to Detroit Lakes, MN, to be nearer to their daughter and grandchildren.

Jim had a love for sports, participating in football and other sports during his time in school.

During his adult life, he was involved with Fargo-Moorhead Youth Soccer, serving on the board and coaching. He loved attending his daughter’s and grandchildren’s various sporting events. He spent many hours fishing on Cotton Lake or on Lake of the Woods with friends. Jim and Karen both enjoyed traveling across the USA during their retirement. Jim also enjoyed working on a variety of home and cabin improvement projects for himself and others.

James is survived by a son, Mike Sutter; daughter, Mindy (Rob) Nielsen; grandchildren, Ally Nielsen, McKensie (Chris) Pischel, Shay Nielsen, Jay (Shannon) Nielsen; Great-grandchildren, Crew and Sutton Pischel; Sister-In-Law, Carolyn Sutter; Sister-In Law, Nancy (Richard) Ohrt; Brother-In-Law, Richard (Sandy) Zach; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceding Jim in death are his wife, Karen; his parents, Otto and Hattie (Moody) Sutter; his brothers, William Sutter and Richard Sutter; and his infant daughter, Nikki Gail Sutter.

A service will be held at a later date in Detroit Lakes, MN.

Burial will take place at Green Hill Cemetery, Rock Port, MO, at a later date.