James C. Dege, 69, of Surprise, Arizona died at 1:50 p.m. on Sunday, November 15, 2009 of alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency at Hospice of Arizona. Born December 23, 1939 in St Paul, Minnesota, he was the son of Henry and Edna Dege. Jim graduated from St Paul Johnson High School. On June 18, 1966 he married Sharen Solyst in Roland, Iowa. They were longtime residents of Owatonna, Minnesota. Jim served in the Army, Military Police. He was a member of the Steele County Sheriff's Department for 28 years, retiring as Chief Deputy. Jim was a lifetime member of the Order of Elks. He enjoyed golf, NASCAR, painting, woodworking, and sports. He was happiest with family and friends and was eagerly awaiting the arrival of his first grandchild. He is survived by his wife; one son, Brian (Tricia) Dege of Woodbury, MN; one brother, Dick (Betty) Dege of Woodbury, MN; two nieces, Debbie (Brian) Miller of White Bear Lake, MN and Denise Dege of Burnsville, MN; and two great nieces and one great nephew. He was preceded in death by his parents. Memorials in Jim's memory can be donated to Alpha-1 Association (alpha1.org) or American Hospice Foundation-Hospice of Arizona (americanhospice.org). Visitation will be at Michaelson Funeral Home on Saturday, November 21 from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM. Memorial services will be held Saturday, November 21 at 10:30 AM at Michaelson Funeral Home with Pastor Dave Klawiter Visitation: 11/21/2009 09:30 11/21/2009 10:30 Service: 11/21/2009 10:30