James R. Rainaldo

James R. Rainaldo, 80, passed away peacefully at Bayshore Health Center in Duluth, MN on Sept, 9, 2010, with his family at his side.

Jim was a proud son, born in Hurley, WI to an Italian Barber and Finnish Immigrant Housewife, Leo and Sylvia (Basto) Rainaldo, on August 24, 1930.

After graduating from Hurley High School in 1948, he attended UW-Superior.

He was a proud Navy Veteran serving aboard the USS Kula Gulf Aircraft Carrier during the Korean Conflict from 1950 thru 1954.

On Oct 24, 1953, Jim married the light of his life, Rita (Pavlinski) in Ironwood, MI.

After discharge from the Navy, James returned to Superior and UW-S graduating with a BS degree in Education in 1956 and a Masters degree in Education in 1960.

He continued on in his studies in Administration at both UWS and UMD.

Many will remember Jim during his years as Manager at the former M&C Oil Co during the 50’s and 60’s where he worked his way thru college and to support his young family. In addition, he was an educator at Central High School from 1956 to 1963 and then at Washington Jr. High School in Duluth teaching Social Studies at both.

In 1966, Jim accepted the position of Director of Student Life & Auxiliary Services at UW-Superior which included responsibilities for overseeing the Rothwell Student Center, Student Housing, Food Service, Bookstore, Wessman Arena, Health Services and Daycare.

He was also responsible for Student Activities including Student Government Advisor, Student Discipline and Intramurals/Recreation activities.

Although he was proud of his part in the expansion and construction of the Rothwell Student Center in the late 60’s, his greatest joy and feeling of accomplishment at UW-S was being able to help so many young students grow into responsible and successful young adults. He was not only a friend to them but a great mentor as well.

He retired from UW-S in 1990.
His professional affiliations included National Assoc. of College Aux. Services in which he served on the Board of Directors and was a member of various committees. He also served on the Central Assoc. of College Aux.
Services where he served on the Board of Directors as Vice-President and President.

In the community, Jim served as Chairman of the St. Francis Church Board as well as Chairman of the Diocese of Superior Religious Education Committee.

In addition, he served as a member and Secretary of the Superior Lions Club and a member and officer of the Superior Sports Booster Clubs and University Hall of Fame Committee.

In his personal life, his greatest satisfaction first and foremost, was his family to whom he devoted his life, as well as his many friends.

During his 20 year retirement he and Rita would enjoy their Winter Condo in Sun City, AZ, where they would eagerly await the various visits of the kids and grandkids. They loved to share their time and energy with them traveling the various back roads enjoying the natural beauty that the south-west has to offer whether it was a one day get-a-way or a 3 or 4 day excursion to California’s Coastal areas or the Canyons of N. Arizona and S. Utah.

Jim was also active in the Sun City Bocce Ball Leagues and he and Rita also volunteered at the West Valley Food Bank and Valley View Community Food Bank on a weekly basis. In October of last year, Jim received the first of what will be known as the UW-S Alumni Associations, “James Rainaldo” Mentor Award which will be awarded annually to a UW-S Staff or Administration person in recognition of their Strong Leadership and Support in the mentoring of Students at UW-Superior.

He was inducted into the Hurley, WI Hall of fame several years back as a member of the 1948 “Hurley Midgets” WI State High School Basketball Championship Team and was a member of the Gordon, WI American Legion Post 499.

His family wishes to extend their extreme gratitude and thanks to the entire staff at Bayshore Health Center for the wonderful care Jim received in his 13 months there. They have gone above and beyond the call of duty in providing a high level of Health Care as well as a loving and caring home environment to him and his family and friends who came to visit.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years and the love of his life, Rita; two sons, Michael, Superior and Timothy (Cheryl Bijold) Duluth, MN; one daughter, Susan (James) Lundeen, Superior; three grandsons, Anthony (Rachel) Rainaldo, Ham Lake, MN, John Rainaldo, Coon Rapids, MN and Ryan Rainaldo, St Cloud, MN; three granddaughters, Cameo (Alan) DeDominces, St Cloud, MN, Rebecca Beckwell, Superior and Christina Rainaldo, St Cloud, MN; one great-grandson, Cooper DeDominces, St Cloud. MN; one brother, Fr. John Rainaldo, SJ, Milwaukee, WI; one sister, Mary (Robert) Hendrickson, Mora, MN along with several nieces and nephews.

James was preceded in death by his son, Thomas, Coon Rapids, MN,
his parents, Leo & Sylvia Rainaldo, Hurley, WI., and one brother, Robert, Hurley,WI.

Visitation will be 5:00 PM, Friday, September 17, 2010 at the Lenroot-Maetzold Funeral Home, 1209 East 5th St, Superior, with a Scripture service at 6:30 PM.

Visitation will continue at 10:00 AM, Saturday, September 18, 2010 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Superior and continue until the 11:00 AM, Mass of Christian Burial with Rev. Father James Tobolski as celebrant.

Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery at a later date.

Honorary Pallbearers for the service will be his grandchildren.

Military honors will be accorded by the Lockman-Jensen, Post #499, American Legion.

The Lenroot-Maetzold Funeral Home is assisting the family with
arrangements.

To leave a condolence or sign the on-line guest book, please visit our website at www.lenroot-maetzold.com.