Obit: Luetschwager, James William (1926 - 2016)

Transcriber: Robert Lipprandt
bob@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Bungert, Helke, Lillie, Luetschwager, Taylor, Thiele

----Source: The Record - Review (Abbotsford, WI) 2/03/2016

Luetschwager, James “Jim” William (28 NOV 1926 - 1 FEB 2016)

James “Jim” William Luetschwager, 89, Athens, died at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Marshfield on Feb. 1, 2016.

He was born on the family farm on McIntosh Road in Wausau on Nov. 28, 1926. He graduated from Wausau High School in 1944 and then went on to serve in World War II. Jim returned home to complete railroad school in Minneapolis and spent the next 20 years working for Soo Line Railroad, primarily as a depot agent in Athens. He married his sweetheart, Lorraine (Bungert), on July 4, 1952.

Among Jim’s many achievements were being a charter member of the Athens Development Corporation, member of the Marathon County Board and the American Legion. He also started Western County Insurance Agency in Athens, Athens Realty and the Athens Nutrition Store. He was also a member in Eckankar. He loved polka parties, spending time in the northwoods and telling a quick joke. His proudest accomplish-ment was his 63 year marriage and three children.

He is survived by his wife, Lorraine; sisters, Marlyce (Jerome) Lillie, Mosinee and Nancy Thiele, Rothschild; his children, Adnay (Nancy) Luetschwager, Athens, Rhonda Taylor, Prairie Du Sac and Glen (Lynn) Luetschwager, Athens; six grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harvey Sr. and Pearl (Helke) Luetschwager; and his brother, Harvey Jr. Luetschwager.

A memorial visitation was held from 10 a.m. until noon on Saturday, Feb. 6, at the Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.

His legacy life lesson is to use your own mind, believe what you believe, be who you are, and to chuckle often.