James Edward Sbertoli

Funeral services for James Edward Sbertoli, will be 11:00 am on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Pleasant Valley, IA. Family will greet friends on Thursday from 10:00 am to service time at the church.

James Edward Sbertoli, affectionately known as Jim, passed away on November 7, 2026, at the age of 84.

Jim was born on April 27, 1942, in Chicago, Illinois, to Edward and Jackie Sbertoli. He graduated from Augustana College and the Lutheran School of Theology.

For nearly 40 years, from 1968 until his retirement in 2007, Jim served as an ELCA Lutheran pastor, touching countless lives through his ministry. His pastoral journey included Faith Lutheran Church in Forest Lake, Minnesota; The Minnesota Synod (now NW MN Synod) serving in a variety of roles including, Youth Ministry Coordinator and assistant to the Bishop; Hope Lutheran Church in Minneapolis; First Lutheran Church in St. Paul; and Farmington Lutheran Church in Farmington, Minnesota.

Jim was a dynamic community leader and brought his strong desire to bring people together, especially youth, to share the good news. Known and loved for incorporating his banjo and songs into his sermons and riding his Harley Davidson to church. Jim welcomed all to the church. Jim cherished his mission work in Guatemala, Jamaica, and Nicaragua.

Jim and his beloved wife, Glenna, shared 62 years of marriage, building a life together centered on faith and family. Following retirement, they made their home in LeClaire, Iowa, where they enjoyed the past 15 years together.

Jim's greatest legacy is the family he leaves behind. He is survived by his loving wife, Glenna; his brother, Terry Sbertoli (Donna); and his sister, Joy McKeown (Pat).

He was a devoted father to his three children: Jennifer Kreiter (Kurt), Andrea Peoples (Eric), and Edward Sbertoli (Theresa).

Jim was a proud grandfather of eight grandchildren: Casey Kreiter (Meghan), Haley Rathjen (Wilson), Rebecca Peoples, Jacob Peoples, Elizabeth Peoples, James Sbertoli, Chase Sbertoli, Lane Sbertoli, Kayla Schlichting and Kolton Schlichting (Marissa).

He was also blessed with six great-grandchildren: Landen, Breckyn, Jack, Quincy, Leo and Madynn.

Jim will be remembered for his enduring faith, his love of music, and the love he shared with his family. His nearly four decades of ministry left a lasting impression on the congregations and communities he served.