James E. Aysta

James E. Aysta passed away peacefully on 2/7/2026 at the age of 87 at home in Stillwater MN.

Jim was born on November 27, 1938, in Virginia, Minnesota, to Edward and Mildred Aysta (nee Hill). His childhood was near idyllic, the neighborhood was full of aunts, uncles, cousins and his grandfather lived right across the street. Later, a well-loved little sister joined the family, Joyce.

Jim went through the Virginia public school system and graduated from Roosevelt High in 1956. He then enrolled in the Mesabi Range "Junior College" and worked in the mining industry. In 1958 Jim transferred to the University of Minnesota where he went on to earn a Mechanical Engineering degree in 1961.

On December 9th, 1961, he married Diana Stoesz in Minneapolis. The couple settled in Stillwater, Minnesota, where they raised their two children, Stephen and Christine, and on 12/09/2025 they celebrated 64 years of marriage!

Jim held engineering positions at two great organizations while looking for a permanent engineering home. Cornelius where he made vending machines less frustrating and Con-Wed where he helped to make cubicles more tolerable. Then he entered into an exciting career of "inventing things," beginning at UFE in Stillwater, Minnesota. At UFE he met Dick Heath and the two became lifelong friends. They collaborated on all sorts of projects, both in and out of UFE. In 1971 Jim found his creative home at 3M in St. Paul. There he met another great friend, Arne Mayala. They worked well together and also hunted, fished and searched junkyards for just the "right" car part. In 1979, Jim accepted a laboratory director position with 3M in Hamburg, Germany, and the family spent two years living abroad. During his career at 3M, Jim earned 26 patents.

Jim enjoyed many creative pursuits and hobbies. He had a lifelong passion for cars and restored several, including a 1947 Chevy and an MG TD. He was a master woodworker and made gorgeous Shaker style furniture. Jim was also active at the First Presbyterian Church. He was also a lifelong curler with his team winning the Senior National title four times. He loved to travel and was always ready to hop in the car and go with Diana.

Jim is survived by his wife, Diana; son Stephen and his spouse Nicole; daughter Christine and spouse Dwane Platt; sister Joyce Aysta; sister-in-law Donna Fast; and grandchildren Grace, Jack, Will, and Aiden

He was an active and fun spouse and father and the best Grampy any one could ever ask for.

The family would like to extend a special deep and heartfelt thank you to all the caregivers that eased the last chapter of his life.

A memorial service will be held at Bradshaw, 2800 Curve Crest Boulevard, Stillwater on 2/21/26. Visitation 10-11am, Service 11am followed by a light lunch.

If you would like to celebrate Jim's life, with a donation in any amount, make that donation to your favorite charity in his name, he'd be so pleased!