James “Jim” D. Huebner

PORTAGE – James “Jim” D. Huebner, (“Meatball”) age 82, passed away at Divine Savior Tivoli in Portage on Wednesday, October 10, 2018.

Jim was born on March 19, 1936, in Portage, the son of Edward and Elaine (Mittlestaedt) Huebner.  Jim graduated from Portage High School in 1954 .  He continued to enjoy the company of classmates by attending monthly breakfast gatherings and also served as the treasurer for the Class of 1954.   He married Janet Baird on September 17, 1960.  He and Janet had owned and operated Lads and Lassies Children’s Clothing Store in Portage and during that time he had worked at Frette’s Motors in Portage.  Jim had also worked for Zimmerman Plumbing and Heating, and Portage Printing.  He was a member of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.

Jim had many hobbies and interests. All of them started early in the day as morning was his favorite time.  He was an avid fisherman, especially for bluegills.  Not sure what he relished more, catching the fish or delivering the day’s catch to friends for them to enjoy.  When he was not on the lake, he could be found in his backyard tending to his extensive garden.  Whether it was tomatoes, beans or lovely flowers such as his dahlias and gladiolus, they all could be found under his attentive care.  He spent endless hours ensuring there were no weeds taking attention away from the beautiful array of flowers.  Jim also enjoyed a good meal, with two of his favorites being the pan fried walleye at the Del Bar in Wisconsin Dells and his beloved omelette at the Log Cabin in Baraboo.

Jim was a people person and enjoyed sharing light hearted fun with all who would engage. Whether it was the early morning crew at McDonalds, the customers of Portage Printing for whom he delivered or his classmates, he always had a smile and something to say to make you laugh.  His faith was also very important to him as he was a regular at the Saturday 4 p.m. mass.  Most of all he enjoyed lending a helping hand. 

He is survived by his wife, Janet Huebner of Portage;  his son, Matthew (Jessica) Huebner of Cedarburg;  his granddaughter, Margaret Huebner;  two brothers, Dr. Timothy (Pam) Huebner of Wisconsin Rapids and Dan (Marsha) Huebner of Portage;  his sister, Ann (Pete) Creamer of Gustine, CA;  two sisters-in-law, Peggy McDonald of Monona and Mary Pedersen of Las Vegas, NV;  a special nephew, Tom Firari;  a special niece, Sandra Hutler;  very special friends, Carol Heisz and Laura Wentz;  other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 16, 2018, at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Church in Portage, WI.  There will be no visitation and burial rites will be private.

The Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage is assisting the family.