James L. Heidenreich

Surrounded by his loving family at his home, James L. Heidenreich dropped off the twig on Friday, June 4, 2010, at the age of 71, after a courageous battle with cancer. Jim was born in Chicago, IL, March 9, 1939, son of the late William J. Heidenreich Jr. and Marie (Nee: Knudsen) Heidenreich.

He is survived by children, William J. (Amanda), Joseph N. (Pamela), Paula (John) King, Tina Frank, Kelly Heidenreich and 14 grandchildren. Also surviving are brothers K.W. (Joyce), Richard (Darlene); sisters, Janet (Dennis) Cranley, Laura Lee Frees, Karen (Robert) Everson, Joan (the late Paul) Duratny. Very dear friend, Kristin Bogenberger, and many, many nephews and nieces. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by brothers, George L., Robert J.; and sister, Dorothy Shumway.

Jim was raised in Racine, WI, and attended St. Catherine’s High School. He joined the United States Marine Corps where he earned no medals, fought no wars, but he served proudly for three years.

In 1967 he began working for the predecessor of the Milwaukee Transit System. He was a driver, Union President of Local 998 of the Amalgamated Transit Union and station clerk, retiring in 1996. During that time he also served as vice-president of the Milwaukee County Labor Council and was twice a Democratic candidate for the State Assembly.

Jim then joined Johnson Bank in downtown Milwaukee where he was the Courier Banking Manager, retiring in March of 2009.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated Saturday, June 12, 2010, at 11 a.m. at St. Anthony’s Church, N74 W13604 Appleton Ave., Menomonee Falls, with Rev. Dennis Wieland officiating. Relatives and friends may meet with the family Saturday at the church 9:30 a.m. until time of Mass.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Sixteen Inch Society; 735 N. Water St, #720; Milwaukee, WI 53202 The funds contributed will support the Jim Heidenreich Learning Center at the Repairers of the Breach.

It was Jim’s wish to be cremated. A “hooley” will be held after the Mass at Derry’s Pub at 54th and Bluemound.

The family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to the  Visiting Nurses Association for their loving and compassionate care.

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