James Robert Wolden

James “Jim” Robert Wolden, 82, of Blackduck, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on March 11, 2026, at Good Samaritan Nursing Home in Blackduck. Born on January 30, 1944, in Bemidji, Minnesota, to Orin and Iola Wolden, Jim was raised in Blackduck and graduated from Blackduck High School in 1962. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business from the University of Minnesota–Duluth. In June 1964, he married Clarice Lueck, and the couple raised four daughters together.

After several years living and working in Illinois, Jim and his young family returned to Blackduck in 1970. He joined his parents at Wolden’s Service, known throughout the North Country for its beloved “Soda Pop Bear,” later served as plant manager for Anderson Fabrics, and eventually founded his own business, Insurance Services North. Through his work, Jim built lasting relationships and remained deeply committed to his clients and community.

Jim gave generously of his time and energy to the Blackduck area. He was an active member of the Jaycees, the Lions Club, and many other local organizations, and he played a key role in establishing the Blackduck Ambulance Service. He was especially proud of his many years with the Blackduck Fire Department, serving with dedication and pride, including ten years as Fire Chief from 1977 to 1987. An avid outdoorsman, he found great joy in hunting, fishing, scouting for deer stands, and spending time in the woods and fields of northern Minnesota with family and friends. He was also a devoted hockey fan who rarely missed a chance to cheer on the Bemidji State University Beavers and took special delight in watching his grandsons play youth hockey.

Jim is lovingly survived by his four daughters, Kimberly Wolden, Melissa (Jeff) Tibbets, Melanie (Lui Vigilanti) Cleveland, and Karla (Robert) Liesener; six grandchildren, Alex, Brock, and Chris Howard, Ellissa Cleveland, Rocky Vigilanti, and Kyle Liesener; nieces Renee, Wendy, and Brenda; and nephews Brad and Vince. He was preceded in death by his parents, Orin and Iola Wolden; his brother, Duane Wolden of Texas; and his sister, Patricia Anderson of Montana.