James R. Wemmert

With his wife and children by his side, James R. Wemmert, age 83, passed away early Friday afternoon, January 3, 2014, at St. Luke’s Medical Center in Milwaukee. James was born in Racine on July 29, 1930, son of the late Edward and Amanda (nee: Hochgurtel) Wemmert and had been a lifelong resident.

He was a proud graduate of St. Catherine’s High School “Class of 1948.”  On November 25, 1950, at St. John Nepomuk Catholic Church, Jim was united in marriage to the love of his life, Joanne Bilik. He was a master plumber employed first with L. Willing Plumbing and lastly with Miller plumbing until his retirement in 1994. You could find Jim the past twenty years greeting you with a smile, while working with his son at Mitch and Marty’s Service Station on Douglas Avenue.  He was a lifelong member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and the Plumbers and Steamfitters Union, Local #118.

Jim will be best remembered for his love and dedication to his entire extended family.  He was especially proud of his grandchildren and all of their accomplishments. Being their #1 fan, Jim could be easily spotted wearing either their picture or school’s logo on his shirt everywhere he went. His fantastic smile, twinkle in his eye, jokes and charm will be dearly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Surviving are his loving wife of 63 years, Joanne; five children, Peggy (Paul) Reinders, Michael Wemmert, Pamela (Dennis) Keister, Mitchell (Carolyn) Wemmert, Penny (Rory) Bauer; 11 grandchildren, Kelle (Bill) Schiesler, Haley (Scott) Burns, Brooke (Matt) Navarro, Adrianne (Andy) Marinkovich, Jason Wemmert, Alyssa Bauer, Alexis Keister, Jessica Bauer, Sara Wemmert (Fiancé Josh Riso), Abbey Keister,  Sam Wemmert;  eight great-grandchildren; a brother, Bob Wemmert; sisters-in-law, Janet (Charles) Bauer, Ione Wemmert, Margaret Wemmert; many special nieces and nephews, other relatives and dear friends.   In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Ed and Jack; sisters, Dorothy (Barney) Scheible, Millie (Lyle) Floyd, and Verna (Art) Petersen; and  sister-in-law, Caroline Wemmert.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1533 Erie St., on Wednesday January 8, 2013, at 10:30 a.m., with Rev. Steven J. Varghese officiating. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, Hwy 32.  Relatives and friends may meet with the family on Tuesday at the funeral home from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. and at the church on Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. until time of Mass at 10:30 a.m.  Memorials to the American Heart Association have been suggested.

MARESH-MEREDITH & ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME
803 Main St., Racine    (262) 634-7888