James Lee Studer, age 79 of Mankato, Minn., died at his home in Mankato on Monday, Aug. 17, 2026. Born on March 20, 1947 in Denver, Colo., he was the son of Earl “Bob” and Betty (Luedeman) Studer. He graduated from Waterville High School in 1965 and went on to serve in the U.S. Army in Vietnam from 1966 until his honorable discharge in August of 1968.

Jim was united in marriage to Jolene Elsea on March 23, 1968 in Sweet Springs, Mo. They made their home on Lake Sakatah from 1972 until moving to Mankato in 2025.

Jim was employed with the EF Johnson Company in Waseca for 34 years.

Jim is survived by his wife, Jolene of Mankato; two sisters: Sandy Kendall of Waterville, Minn., and Cindy Pehrson of Atlanta, Ga.; sisters-in-law, Ruby (Dennis) Zimmerschied of Blackburn, Mo. and Cindy Elsea of Sweet Springs, Mo.; eight nephews and six nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents and parents-in-law; brother-in-law, Byron “Buzz” Kendall; sisters-in-law, Donna (Mack) McCaslin and Elnora (Jack) Crider; and brothers-inlaw, Marty Elsea and Van Elsea.

Private family services are being held.