James L. Mrosla

Wasilla resident James L. Mrosla, 67, died Feb. 5, 2011, in Wasilla. He was formerly of Rice, Minn.

A funeral service is at 2 p.m., Feb. 17 at Emblom-Brenny Funeral Service in Royalton, Minn., and burial is in Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in North Prairie, Minn. Friends may call from noon to 2 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home in Royalton, Minn.

James Leonard Mrosla was born Sept. 8, 1943, in Brockway Township, Stearns County, Minn., to the late Joseph and Helen (Stiller) Mrosla. He attended Holdingford High School.

After his schooling, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served his country from 1960 to 1962. James worked for a short time in Minnesota as an over-the-road driver. He moved to Wasilla in 1971 and worked as a contracted driver for British Petroleum. He worked primarily in the Prudhoe Bay area on the North Slope. James was known to have nine lives, escaping several close calls with his truck. Jim enjoyed living in Alaska and was an avid hunter, fisherman and outdoorsman. He enjoyed shooting his high-powered rifles. He was a member of the local Teamsters Union No. 959.

Left to cherish his memory are his brothers, Al (Carol) Mrosla of Rice, Minn., Jerome (Bev) Mrosla of Rice and Joe Mrosla of Pierz, Minn.; 11 nieces and nephews; and 20 great-nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Helen (Stiller) Mrosla.

The family was cared for by Valley Funeral Home and Crematory Wasilla.