James F. Grauwels

James “Smiley” Grauwels, age 68, passed away Saturday, May 8, 2010, at his residence surrounded by his family and friends.  Jim was born in Racine, May 4, 1942, son of the late Joseph and Anna B. (Nee: Gedraitis) Grauwels.  

Jim graduated with a bachelor's of arts degree from Loras University, Dubuque, Iowa.  He was united in marriage to Judie Petersen on June 12, 1965, in Racine at St. John’s Nepomuk Church. He was a lifelong resident of Racine where he worked at In-Sink-Erator from 1965-1975 and CNH from 1975 until 2001, last serving as Director of Human Resources. He was a proud member of St. Lucy Catholic Church and the Lakeview Hawks.  Jim also served for a decade on the board of directors of his alma mater, St. Catherine’s High School, and Racine Family Services. He valued coaching his kids' basketball and volleyball teams.  Jim also enjoyed fishing, golfing and cooking.  More than anything he devoted and treasured time spent with his friends and family.  He will be deeply missed.

Survivors include his wife, Judie; his four children, Michael (Jen) Grauwels of Victoria, MN, Suzie (Dale) Christensen of Canton, MI, David (Bridget) Grauwels of Middleton, WI, Julie (Eric) Sullivan of Milwaukee, WI; his seven grandchildren, Lauren and Connor Grauwels, Jake and Nikki Christensen, Wyatt and Finn Grauwels, and Ella Sullivan; sister, Joanne (John) Ramaker of Racine; brother, Joseph (Linda) Grauwels of Racine; sister-in-law, Sherry Grauwels of Racine; sister in-law, Janet (Jim) Hines of St. Charles, MO; sister-in-law Joani (Mick) Henderson of Peoria, IL; nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends.  In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brother, John Grauwels, father-in-law Elmer Petersen, mother-in-law, Alice Petersen; and brother-in-law, George Itzenhuiser .

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, May 14, 2010, at 11 a.m. at St. Lucy Catholic Church, 3101 Drexel Ave., with Rev. Mark R. Jones officiating.  Entombment will follow at Calvary Garden Crypts, Kinzie Avenue.  Relatives and friends may meet with the family Thursday at the funeral home from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. and Friday at St. Lucy Catholic Church from 10 a.m. until time of Mass at 11 a.m.  Memorials have been suggested to St. Catherine’s High School, St. Lucy’s Church or Healthcare Network. 

The family would like to thank Mike Legue, Merle Donahue, Tom and Sue Ropiak, Sally Nelson, Hospice Alliance and Dr. Richard Clark for their care, support and assistance.

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