Former District Pastor James Plackner Called to Glory

Former pastor in the LCMS Northern Illinois District, Rev. James J. Plackner, age 75, of Champlin, Minnesota, died on Thursday, January 12. He was a 1967 graduate of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, and founding pastor of Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in Perrysburg, Ohio, then served at Bethany Lutheran Church in Charlevoix, Michigan, St. John Lutheran Church in Northbrook, Illinois, Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church in Winfield, Illinois, and Faith Lutheran Church in Appleton, Wisconsin, before retiring.

He is preceded in death by Elaine (Albers), the mother of their children, and Carol Vandelaarschot. He is survived by his wife Carol Impola; children Andrew (Christie) Plackner and Sara (Andy) Frankwick; grandchildren Mari and Audra Plackner, and Jack, Elaine and Sophie Frankwick; sister Judy Siebold; and other family and friends.

The funeral service is Tuesday, January 17, 1 p.m., at Zion Lutheran Church, 1601 – 4th Avenue S., Anoka, Minnesota. Visitation begins one hour prior to the service. Interment is private. Arrangements are by Thurston-Lindberg Funeral Home (763-421-0220). Memorials are preferred for the Lutheran Deaconess Association.