James “Jim” H. Broten, 62, of rural Stewart passed away on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at his home surrounded by family. Memorial Service was held Monday, June 17, 2024, at 11 a.m. at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Hutchinson with interment in Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery

in Brownton. Clergy Officiating: Pastor John Grein; Organist: Paul Otte; Congregational Hymns: “I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry”, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus”, “Amazing Grace”, “God Loved the World So That He Gave”; Honorary Urn Bearers: Anna Seefeldt, Ariana Weatherholt, Mercedes Miller; Urn Bearer: Emily Muetzel James “Jim” Harold Broten was born on June 17, 1961, in Hutchinson. He was the son of Donald and Vonnie Broten. Jim was baptized as an infant on July 16, 1961, and later confirmed in his faith as a youth on April 13, 1975, both at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Hutchinson. He received his education in Hutchinson and was a graduate of the Hutchinson High School class of 1979. Jim lived in Hutchinson for 38 years before moving to rural Stewart to a new home with his life partner, Deborah Hedtke. Jim had many interests, including bass fishing, snowmobiling, motorcycling, doing wheelies on Main St., and sports cars. He was an expert remote control airplane pilot, entertaining friends and family with aerobatic maneuvers at his rural home, and later becoming a drone pilot as well. Jim was an avid reader with interests in history, backpacking, golfing, and aviation, becoming knowledgeable in a variety of subjects. An excellent cook and barbecue connoisseur, Jim claimed his various cuts of smoked barbecue were competition worthy. Jim loved Hutchinson, stating that the town he grew up in was the greatest place in the U.S. You may have seen Jim roaming the streets of Hutchinson in his white Dodge Caravan admiring the many homes and businesses in which he had put his magical skills of drywall expertise. Jim acquired 45 years of experience working in drywall finishing, starting at age 16, working with his brother, Darrel, and later with brother, Jason. The three brothers often worked together over the years. A proud member of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, of which includes drywall finishers. After retiring from the IUPAT, he started James Broten Drywall LLC, serving the Hutchinson area for the past 10 years. Jim estimated that he had worked on over one thousand homes and over 200 businesses, including churches, schools, hospitals, universities, and apartment complexes in Hutchinson and the metropolitan area. An expert sought out by many. Everyone who Jim knew enjoyed his gift of intelligent conversation.

Blessed be his memory. Jim is survived by his mother, Vonnie Broten of Hutchinson; life partner, Deborah Hedtke of Stewart; siblings, Linda Zachow and her husband Jack of Largo, Fla., Darrel Broten and his wife Debra of Champlin, Marcia Betker and her husband Mark of Dassel, Patricia Wheeler and her husband James of Shorewood, Robin Kennedy and her husband Sean of Plattsmouth, Neb., Jason Broten and his wife DeAnna of Hutchinson; Deborah’s mother, Janice Hedtke of Brownton; Deborah’s brother, David Hedtke and his wife Becky of Stewart; special friends, Bruce and Amy Muetzel family; many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and close friends. Jim is preceded in death by his father, Donald Broten; Deborah’s father, Clarence Hedtke; grandparents, Harold and Olive Broten; grandmother, Esther Krumrie; many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Arrangements by Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Chapel in Hutchinson. Online obituaries and guestbook available www.hantge.com.