James D. Tharaldson, 55, of rural Hope, died Friday, March 16, 2012 at his home with his family by his side after a short, but courageous battle with cancer. Jim was born October 12, 1956 in Owatonna, Minnesota the son of Tarl and Solveig (Olsen) Tharaldson. Here he was raised and attended school graduating from Owatonna High School in 1976. Jim then attended Vo-Tech school in Duluth where he studied to become a baker. After college he returned to Owatonna where he worked for Hart's Central Bakery. He then moved to Reno, Nevada and worked for the John Ascuaga's Golden Nugget Casino as a pastry chef and he also made birthday and other cakes for celebrities. He returned to Owatonna and worked for Hart's Bakery again. Jim was united in marriage to Sarah Clough on May 21, 1988 in Owatonna. The couple later moved near Hope where they made their home. In 1997, Jim began working for Hy-Vee in Owatonna. Jim enjoyed woodworking. He built the furniture for their home and also restored the farmhouse when they moved to Hope. He also enjoyed skill saw work, making pens and cuckoo clocks to name a few of his hobbies. He took great pride in his yard and also enjoyed fishing. He is survived by his wife Sarah Clough-Tharaldson of Owatonna; his mother, Solveig Tharaldson of Owatonna; five brothers, David Tharaldson of Blooming Prairie; Bryan Tharaldson of Owatonna; Paul Tharaldson of Ellendale; Bruce Tharaldson (and partner Mike Flowers) of Merrillville, IN; Robert (and Denise) Tharaldson of Cameron Park, CA; two sisters, Renee (and Mark) Korte of Sacramento, CA; Nancy (and Fred) Ogden of Madison, AL, and his faithful and loving dog, Georgie. He was preceded in death by his father, Tarl in 1991. Visitation will be at Michaelson Funeral Home on Monday, March 19, 2012 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Memorial services will be held Monday, March 19, 2012 at 11:00 AM at Michaelson Funeral Home. Visitation: 03/19/2012 10:00 03/19/2012 11:00 Service: 03/19/2012 11:00