Obituary for James Steven Gulenchyn

James Steve Gulenchyn, age 84, of Mesquite, NV and Minneapolis, MN passed away on April 16, 2024 with his wife, Ellie, at his side. Jim was born October 02, 1939 in Minneapolis.

He met his future wife, Ellie, when they were only two years old, being babysat by relatives who were friends. They went to different elementary schools, and Ellie moved with her family to California for two years. In high school, Ellie’s date to the Sadie Hawkins dance was ill, so she invited Jim-- they have been together ever since. They eloped to Iowa on December 26, 1959 and got married in the Catholic Church in San Antonio, TX on January 22, 1960. Steve was born one year later and Tim completed their family in 1963. Jim served in the army as a medic and radio specialist from 1958 to 1962.

Jim earned a major in business and minor in chemistry from the University of Minnesota. He had a 40-year work history with General Mills. He started his career as a lab chemist, where he patented a process to remove dye from water. After earning his business degree, he moved from grain, to auditing, to manufacturing (in Geneva, IL), to coupons (back in MN), and finally to sales and credit. Jim retired from General Mills as a Director of Finance in 2001.

Jim played hockey most of his younger years and won a State Championship as head coach for his son Steve’s peewee team. He was on a Thursday night bowling league at Beacon Bowl. When on business trips, he’d do his best to be home by Thursday evening so he could bowl with his team. He loved watching the Gophers, Twins, Wild (North Stars), and Vikings, but his favorite sport to watch and play was golf. He was an avid, life-long golfer and played through back pain, even putting off surgery until winter so he could play the whole season and recuperate in the off-season. He is the reigning Gulenchyn Cup Champion-- Steve, Tim, and Jim played as many rounds as they could every year to compete for that coveted cup.

Preceded in death by his son, Timothy Gulenchyn and his parents, Estelle and Steve Gulenchyn.

Survived by wife, Eleanor; brother, Ron (Mary); son, Steve (Sheri); grandchildren, TJ (Diana), Andra (Tommy) Lindquist; and great-granddaughter, June Gulenchyn.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 9100 93^rd Ave. N., Brooklyn Park, on Friday, 4/19/24, at 10:30 AM, with visitation 1 hour prior to mass at church. Luncheon afterward. Private interment at St. Vincent's Cemetery.