Obit: Griepentrog, James Neal (1950 - 2021)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Griepentrog, Spieth, Christensen, Williamson, Bembnister, Wegner, Nelson, Opelt, Steiger, Holub, Isensee, Breitung, Schultz, Anderson

----Source: Gesche Funeral Home (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 11/02/2021

Griepentrog, James Neal (18 June 1950 – 31 October 2021) With Flag

Jim- the man, the myth, the legend!

Heaven needed tech support and called Jim on October 31, 2021. He responded the only way he knew how, giving his whole self. He blessed this world with 71 years of his presence. Jim was born June 18, 1950, in Wausau to Allan and Laura (Spieth) Griepentrog. He graduated from Tigerton High School in 1968. Jim proudly and faithfully served his country from 1969 to 1972 in the United States Air Force. He was a Vietnam veteran. He was married to the love of his life Trudy Christensen on June 23, 1973. They were married for 48 wonderful years and lovingly raised four children. Jim and Trudy moved to Neillsville in 1976 where they raised their family. Jim worked at Memorial Medical Center for 41 years, retiring in 2017.

Jim’s greatest pride and joy was his family, doing anything for them without hesitation. He was always just a phone call away and could provide guidance on anything and everything.

He took great joy in wood working and made incredible projects for his loved ones. In retirement Jim completed many projects and a few naps in his fortress of solitude.

His first career choice was as a radiologic technologist. However, his determination to learn created a new avenue in his life, which included a career in computer technology. He worked on computers throughout the Neillsville community and was always willing to fix a computer for anyone.

Jim was proud of the Highground and all it had to offer for his fellow veterans. For over 30 years he rode his bicycle every August as part of the Northern route, raising money and awareness. Jim enjoyed the wonderful friendships he created over all those years, and the time spent with his family peddling the back roads from Hayward to Neillsville.

Jim and Trudy, along with their children, were members of Calvary Lutheran since arriving in Neillsville. Jim worked on many projects at the church over the years from helping to build the new addition to fixing the computer. Pastor Chad Anderson was a blessing to Jim and his family, and we greatly appreciate all his support.

Jim’s best friend and brother he never had, Tom Opelt, spent many years telling jokes and cutting firewood. Tom even convinced Jim to put on his dancing shoes and perform the Blues Brothers for a local talent contest. That performance turned into years of shows all over Wisconsin and Minnesota.

Jim is survived by his wife Trudy, Aaron (Dawn) Griepentrog, Sarah (Mark) Williamson, Adam (Racheal) Griepentrog, and Alyssa (Aaron) Bembnister. Jim enjoyed every minute of being a Grandpa to his grandchildren Parker, Ashton, Brynn, Brennan, Kade, Finley, Brody, and Violet. He is further survived by his sister Janet (Russell) Wegner, sister-in law Audrey (Don) Nelson, brother-in law Gary (Kathy) Christensen, brother-in law Steve Christensen and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

People with special meaning to Jim are his honorary pallbearers: Tom Opelt, Dave Steiger, Mike Holub, Chuck Isensee, Jim Breitung, Paul Schultz, Aaron Griepentrog, Adam Griepentrog, Mark Williamson, and Aaron Bembnister.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021, at the Calvary Lutheran Church in Neillsville, WI. Pastor Chad Anderson will officiate. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday, November 5, 2021, at the Gesche Funeral Home and again from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Saturday morning at the church prior to the service. Military honors will be performed by the Neillsville Veteran’s Council.

Jim left everyone with a smile and a joke whether appropriate or not and will leave a void that cannot be filled.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations are made to: The Highground Veterans Memorial Park in Neillsville, WI or Calvary Lutheran Church, Neillsville, WI in honor of Jim.

To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of James Neal Griepentrog, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.