James Edgar Voyen

James Edgar Voyen began his eternal life with the Lord on June 21, 2026, having been surrounded in love by his large family in his final days.

James (Jim) was born September 19, 1931, in Pipestone, Minnesota, the son of Edgar and Grace (Gunderson) Voyen. Jim's grandparents were all Norwegian immigrants.

Jim was educated in Pipestone, graduating from Pipestone High School in 1949. While in high school, Jim played tuba in the band, sang with choral groups, was active in school plays, was an Honor Student and a member of National Honor Society, a member of the Hi-Y Club, in Declamation, served both as a class president and a vice president, served in the Canteen Council and the Student Council, was on the yearbook staff, and earned a spot in the National Athletic Scholarship Society in all three sports he participated in. Jim was a valuable member of the football, basketball and track teams, and was a three-year letter winner in all three sports. In his senior yearbook there was this quote about Jim: "If he plays the game of life as he plays the game of football, his success is assured." At graduation Jim was presented the American Legion Medal, an honor awarded to a senior boy of outstanding athletic and scholastic ability.

Jim went on to attend Augustana College in South Dakota and later transferred to the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology (SDSM&T) in Rapid City where he received a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, with honors, in 1953. While at SDSM&T, Jim participated in intramural sports, was on the track squad, and played halfback on the football team. Jim was also a member of the fraternity Sigma Tau, the M Club, Triangle (a Fraternity of Engineers & Architects), American Society of Civil Engineers and was senior class president.

Jim received a direct commission in the U.S. Air Force as 2nd Lieutenant and a month after college graduation, Jim took the Officers Basic Military Course at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. 1st Lt. Voyen was active duty in the U.S. Air Force, stationed at Fort Snelling, Minnesota, from August 31, 1954, until August 30, 1956. Lt. Voyen earned the National Defense Service Medal and was honorably discharged as a 1st Lieutenant.

Jim married Carol Ann Christensen in Pipestone on September 6, 1953. Five children were born to the couple: Jeffery, Jeanne, Terri, Nancy and Tom.

While working full-time and, at the time, the father of three, Jim received a Master of Arts in Public Administration from the University of Minnesota. Jim became a Registered Professional Engineer under the State of Minnesota Board of Registration in 1959.

Jim's work experience was vast, with several short engineering positions that included: junior engineer at Boeing Airplane Co. in Seattle, Washington in 1952; assistant engineer for the City of West St. Paul in 1953, and plans engineer for the City of Fergus Falls in 1954. Jim's job as 1st Lieutenant during active duty in the U.S Air Force was as a planning engineer at the Minneapolis St. Paul International Airport. He worked for the Minnesota Department of Health while attending the University of Minnesota, before returning to Minneapolis St. Paul International Airport as a full-time general engineer with the U.S. Air Force.

In 1958 Jim returned to Fergus Falls, Minnesota, first as a plans engineer, then as the acting city engineer, then in 1959 he was appointed City Engineer and remained there until 1967, when he accepted a position with Toltz, King, Duvall, Anderson & Associates (TKDA), an engineering and architecture firm in St. Paul, Minnesota. Jim spent the remainder of his work career at TKDA until his retirement in 1996. Jim began in the Airports Department, then as director of the Civil Engineering Department, was named Vice President in 1976, became a TKDA board member in 1978 and named Vice President/Treasurer in 1980. Jim was an integral part of TKDA and was well-liked and respected, which he earned through his incredible work ethic, thorough understanding of his field, high integrity, great sense of humor, and treatment of all with equal respect.

After retirement, Jim and Carol moved to Alexandria, Minnesota, where they settled into life in a smaller city and continued to golf, go on daily walks, host family get-togethers, and be active in their church.

Jim was a family man, an avid golfer for most of his life, and a fisherman and duck hunter in his earlier years. He was also a "punster," always making jokes, both in his professional life and in his personal life. He enjoyed family vacations at one of Minnesota's many lakes, usually with extended family members, as well as traveling to warmer climates in the early years of retirement. In the many places that Jim and Carol called home, they were active members of the Lutheran Church. Jim transferred many of his professional skills into his relationships with his children and grandchildren, giving them sound advice, a listening ear, and taking an interest in their lives and accomplishments. We will miss his steady presence and sense of humor greatly.

Jim was preceded in death by his loving wife Carol; parents, Edgar and Grace Voyen; in-laws Art and Norma Christensen; sister Mary Melheim; sister-in-law Diane Melrose; son-in-law Randy Halverson; nephew Mike Melrose; brothers-in-law Frank Melheim and Andy Melrose.

Jim is survived by his sons: Jeff (Cindy) Voyen, Tom (Jamie) Voyen; daughters: Jeanne (Dave) Marlow, Terri (Glenn) Marx, Nancy Halverson; grandchildren: Beth (Charlie) Foltz, Ryan (Maranda) Stempski, Adam (Stacy) Schuster, Allison Marlow, Amelia Voyen (Sam Kokesh), Abram (Kristine) Voyen, Elyse Voyen (Gregoire Yeche), Anna (Dylan) Smith, Toby Marx (Breanna Owens), Joe (Andrea) Laurinaitis, Briana Voyen, Abby (Broc) Schindler, Andy (Ally) Voyen; 22 great-grandchildren; nephews: Steve Melheim, Greg Melheim, Mark Melrose, Tim Melrose.

Funeral services will be held at Bradshaw, 2800 Curve Crest Blvd., Stillwater, MN, on Friday, June 26, with visitation at 10:00 a.m. and the service at 11:00 a.m. A graveside service will be held later for the immediate family.