H. James "Jim" Lizakowski

Harry James Lizakowski was born August 3, 1952, in Grand Forks, ND, to Harry and Marjorie (Byzewski) Lizakowski.  Jim was raised in Grand Forks where he graduated from Central High School in 1970. 

Jim worked for the City of Grand Forks for a time. He then owned his own business, Beltone Hearing, in Grand Forks.  They lived in Thompson, ND, where they raised their three sons, Nathan, Patrick, and Daniel. 

Jim moved to Fargo, ND, in 1996, and worked for Syverson Tile and Stone as a Warehouse Manager and moved to a Purchasing Agent and Customer Service Representative.  In Fargo is where Jim met Rita, who completed him, and they were joined in marriage August 7, 2004. Jim retired from Syverson Tile in 2017 after 20 years. In retirement Jim worked a couple days a week for Corwin Chrysler as a courtesy van driver.  This was a job he thoroughly loved as he enjoyed visiting with and meeting new people.

Jim was a very active and sociable person.  He loved all types of dancing, particularly square dancing.  He became a Square Dance caller, teaching others the skill while achieving recognition in a three-state area.  His musical talents included playing guitar, organ, accordion and piano (all of which were self-taught) accompanied by his beautiful singing voice that was loved by all.  He participated in the Testify Group and was a BeFriender Ministry Coordinator at The Lutheran Church of Christ the King. Jim also sang in the Good Shepherd Choir, and he was active in many other church activities as well. 

Jim was an outdoor type of person, spending time in his garden and enjoying the fruits of his labor with his canned goods.  He was always willing to share his bounty with friends.  He enjoyed time on the lakes fishing with his sons and family and managed to get in quite a few games of cards and trivia.  Jim was also a storyteller, which runs in the Lizakowski family.  Trips to museums appeased his interest in history as well.  Jim and Rita traveled to many locations, very recently to Branson, MO, and to Wisconsin where he reconnected with much of his family.

Jim entered eternal rest and was called back to God, surrounded by family and friends, who were by his bedside, on Wednesday, December 6, 2023, at Essentia Health, Fargo, at seventy-one years of age.

He is survived by his wife, Rita; sons, Nathan (Tonya) Lizakowski, Blaine, MN, Patrick (Jen) Lizakowski, Otsego, MN, and Daniel (Mary) Lizakowski, West Fargo, ND; step-son, Jesse (Elizabeth) Burkle, West Fargo; step-daughter, Alicia (Felix Orona) Burkle, Moorhead, MN;  grandchildren, Peyton, Zachary, Gabrielle, Eli, Addy, Paisley, and Scarlett Lizakowski, and Dylan, Carter, Dayton, Tanner, Parker, and Hunter; sister, Shirley (Jerry) Stender, Cuba City, WI; brother, Ron (Sandra) Lizakowski, Rochert, MN; numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends; and his first wife, Melany Lizakowski.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Marjorie Lizakowski; and three brothers, Gerald, David, and Terry Lizakowski.

Please join the family for a time of food and fellowship following the service.

Visitation for Jim will be Monday, December 11, 2023, from 5 – 6:30 PM, with a prayer service at 6:30 PM, at Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, Moorhead.  His Life Celebration service will be Tuesday, December 12, 2023, at 2:30 PM, at the Church.

If unable to attend Jim’s service, you can watch on the church YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/user/moorheadgoodshepherd