James Ringlien

James Arthur Ringlien, 83 of Maumee, passed from this life on January, 29 2023 surrounded by dear friends. He was born to Arthur and Clara (Thompson) Ringlien, a Norwegian-American couple on March 20, 1939 and was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. He is survived by his brother Paul Ringlien. His parents owned a farm in Daggett Coulee (AKA Moe Coulee), Wisconsin that was homesteaded in 1876. This date was recorded in oil paint over the door of the granary, which must have been the first building the immigrants built. James experienced the final days of driving horses and growing tobacco in his community.

James graduated from Daggett School, a one-room school with one teacher for eight grades. He then graduated from Whitehall Memorial High School with honors. James had a penchant for science and graduated from Lutheran College with a degree in physics. Upon graduation he was offered a job as a physicist with Owens-Illinois Glass Company in Toledo, Ohio. He remained at that job for 54 years.

James joined the rifle club that competed in Camp Perry type target shooting. He collected all sorts of gadgets and scientific equipment. James had a passion for tinkering and taking things apart just to see how they worked. James served on the committee to purchase an organ for his home parish, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. As incredibly smart as James was, no one ever felt lesser while speaking with him.

A gathering will be held Thursday, February 16, 2023 at 10:30 AM at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church (112 E. Wayne St. Maumee, OH 43537). A memorial service will follow at 11:15 AM. Memorial contributions in James’ honor may be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.