James Calvin Lastine

James (Jim) “Red” Calvin Lastine, age 83, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away on November 25, 2024, surrounded by his loving family at Mayo Clinic Health System in Austin after a courageous battle with cancer.  

Jim was born on September 2, 1941, in Austin, MN, to Kenneth and Palma (Austinson) Lastine. He grew up in Austin and graduated from Austin High School in 1960, where he excelled in football, baseball, and developed a love for ice skating. After high school, Jim proudly served in the U.S. Army.  

On June 5, 1965, Jim married the love of his life, Diane Hogan. They were together for over 60 years and were blessed with five daughters. Jim worked for Hormel Foods in Austin for 36 years before retiring. Afterward, he enjoyed driving school buses for Palmer Bus Service in Austin, a job he cherished for many years. 

Jim's life was filled with a variety of interests and hobbies. He loved collecting agates and coins, playing pool, bowling, horseshoes, beanbags, and fishing. A lifelong animal lover, Jim, rescued many cats and dogs over the years. He was an avid fan of Minnesota sports and could often be found watching games on TV. Jim also had a passion for technology, always eager to explore the latest gadgets and devices, his 1989 Jeep Grand Cherokee being one of his favorite possessions.  

Above all, Jim was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He was truly a family man, and his love for his family was evident in everything he did. Though he was a man of few words, his actions spoke volumes, and his selflessness, gentleness, and kindness touched the hearts of everyone who knew him. We will forever cherish Jim's sharp wit, his ability to light up any room with his one-liners, and his infectious sense of humor. His jokes brought laughter and joy to everyone lucky enough to hear them, leaving a lasting impression on all of us. He will be deeply missed, but his memory will continue to bring warmth and laughter to all who knew him. 

We thank God for letting us have him as long as we did, and we find comfort knowing that his legacy of love, kindness, and generosity will live on in the hearts of his family and friends.  

Jim is survived by his wife, Diane; daughters, Denise (Jason) Westcott, Donnell (Theodore) Lastine-Chopp, Dawn (Michael) Peitzman, Danna Nelson, and Dyan (Brant) Strouf; grandchildren, Ashley (Ben), Courtney (Mitch), Taylor (Alexys), Madeline, Maxwell, Cory, Troy, Anissa, Kylie (Tyler), Nathaniel, Grace, BreeAnna, Bethany, and Bryce; 10 great-grandchildren, Aidan, Kennedy, Drake, Lily, Jaden, Jace, Ellison, Brynley, Grayson, and Judah; sister, Charlene Hastings; nephew, Dale; nieces, Jamie and Joan; and many extended family members and friends.  

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Palma and Kenneth Lastine; his sister, Belva and her husband, Roger Haugen; brother-in-law, Jim Hastings; mother and father-in-law, Madonna and L. Oscar Hogan; nephew, Jim Haugen; and granddaughter, Morgan Peitzman.  

A celebration of life for James will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Friday, December 27, 2024, at Worlein-Hoff Funeral Home in Austin. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Mower County Humane Society in Jim’s memory. Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes are assisting the family with arrangements.