James Eldon Tostenrud

James Eldon Tostenrud, the son of Eldon W. and Anita McMannes Tostenrud, was born May 27, 1955 in Estherville, IA. His childhood years were spent in Royal, IA, where he received his education, graduating from Clay Central High School in Royal. Following his schooling, he entered the military and served in the U.S. Air Force until his honorable discharge. Following his time in the military, he returned to Royal where he worked and began his career as a pilot. Jim married Christine Liekweg on July 28, 1984 in Alexander, IA. Following their marriage, he continued his career as a pilot for 29 years. Jim flew as a corporate pilot and later as a commercial pilot. He was the Chief Pilot for Great Lakes Aviation and had spent the last six years flying as a First Officer for American Airlines. In 1990 Jim, Chris and their children moved to their farm home near Everly, IA. Jim loved his family, friends, flying, sailing and a good laugh. He was a member of Hope Lutheran Church in Everly. Jim passed away Wednesday, August 16, 2006 in Everly at the age of 51. He was preceded in death by his parents: Eldon and Anita Tostenrud and two brother-in-law's, Paul Liekweg and Dale Manzey. He is survived by his wife, Chris of rural Everly; two children: Hannah Christine and Carter James Tostenrud at home; one brother, Richard and his wife, Mary Ellen Tostenrud of Sioux Falls, SD; five sisters: Marcia and her husband, Darrell Rodger of Keokuk, IA, Nancy and her husband, Bruce Manzey of Eden Prairie, MN, Patricia and her husband, Thomas Barnes of St. Paul, MN, Mary and her husband, Judd Fulwiler of Des Moines, IA and Laura and her husband, Carl Carlentini of Spencer, IA; many other relatives and several friends and business associates who will cherish his love and friendship forever. Foot- prints in the sand One night I had a dream. I was walking along the beach with the Lord, and across the skies flashed scenes from my life. In each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand. One was mine, and one was the Lord's. When the last scene of my life appeared before me, I looked back at the footprints in the sand, and to my surprise I noticed that many times along the path of my life there was only one set of foot- prints. And I noticed that it was at the lowest and saddest times in my life. I asked the Lord about it: "Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you, you would walk with me all the way. But I notice that during the most troublesome times in my life there is only one set of footprints. I don't understand why you left my side when I needed you most." The Lord said: "My precious child, I never left you during your time of trial. Where you see only one set of foot- prints, I was car- rying you.

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