James “Jim” Laverne Maierhofer, 84, of rural Seneca, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on January 21, 2026, at the Pavilion of Ottawa from complications from a few health issues.
A visitation will take place from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Seneca on Friday, January 30th, with a Mass of Christian Burial to be held at the same location on Saturday, January 31st, at 9:30 AM. Burial will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Seneca. Seals-Campbell Funeral is entrusted with arrangements.
Jim was born on September 22, 1941, to Mathias “Tide” and Marie (Blaine) Maierhofer in Morris, Illinois. He grew up on the family farm north of Seneca and remained in the area where he farmed for 64 years.
He is survived by his sons: John “Les” (Nadine) and Jeff (Jenna), both of Seneca, and son-in-law, Brad Riskedal of Leland. There was no denying the pride he had for his grandchildren: Darren (Kendall) Riskedal of Johnson Creek, Wisconsin, Stephen Riskedal of Leland, Kaitie (Patrick) Monahan of Oglesby, Kassidy (Lane Davis) Maierhofer-Davis of Baker, Montana, and Levi and Calvin Maierhofer of Seneca. His bright, blue eyes lit up when he would see any of his great-grandchildren, Owen and Edla Riskedal and Maggie and Lainie Monahan.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Margaret “Peggy” in March, 2025, his parents, two brothers, Francis “Rudy” and Robert “Bud”, a son, James, Jr., in infancy, and a daughter, Joyce Riskedal, in 2023.
Jim was a 1959 graduate of Seneca High School where he was a member of the basketball team and the Future Farmers of America. He continued to support his Alma Mater in any way he could. This included serving as Seneca FFA Alumni president and donning leprechaun attire to lead his daughter and the Lady Irish onto the court during their state championship run in 1987.
Jim lived a life of service to others as he was a member of the Seneca Lions Club where he served as president, a longtime member of the Seneca Fire Department, a 4-H Leader for 20 years, a Red Cross Volunteer, a life-time blood donor, a member of the Seneca FFA Alumni, a scorekeeper for Milton Pope Basketball, and a precinct committee member. He was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church where he served on committees over the years.
Above all, Jim was a farmer and an agriculture advocate through his words and actions. In partnership first with his brothers and then with his wife, he successfully balanced a career, his family, and service to others. His farming philosophy was one of
protecting the soil for future generations, being fiscally conservative, and keeping the farms and farmsteads impeccably manicured. No weed or blade of grass was safe for long when he was in the area. The LaSalle Co. SWCD awarded him the Conservation Farm Family of the year in 2000. His desire to preserve farmland also led him to be heavily involved in zoning for Manlius Township and serving on the LaSalle County Zoning Board of Appeals until the time of his death. Jim was the father of one and the grandfather of two Illinois FFA State officers and all of his children and the majority of his grandchildren have or have had careers in agriculture.
The family would like to thank the many healthcare professionals who helped Jim through his struggles, especially those at the Pavilion of Ottawa, OSF Hospice, Dr. Kao, the Illinois Cancer Center, Advanced Urology, Morris and Ottawa Hospitals, and other providers throughout the Illinois Valley.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages memorials be made to the Starved Rock Country Community Foundation for the “HOF” Fund that is being established to honor Jim’s lifelong commitment to service. The fund is being created to encourage community improvement projects.
Pallbearers will be his grandchildren.
Seals-Campbell Funeral Home
1009 E. Bluff St., Marseilles, IL 61341 815-795-5151 www.sealscampbell.com