Obituaries

 

James L. Schmidtke

PORTAGE –  James L. Schmidtke, age 77, died on Friday, January 27, 2012 at American Way, in Portage.

James was born on November 6, 1934, in Rock Springs, the son of Arthur and Ethel (Lyons) Schmidtke.  He was married to Norma “Liz” Bolgrin.  James served his country in the United States Air Force.  He worked for many years at H. Samuels Company, in Portage.  

James is survived by his children, Kim (Cindy) Schmidtke, Wisconsin Dells, Kip (Connie) Schmidtke, Portage, Dawn (Mike) Leathers, Portage, and Kevin Schmidtke, Madison; his eleven grandchildren, and sixteen great-grandchildren; his sisters, Bonnie (Dennis) Lange, Lake Delton, and Judy Langevin, Baraboo; his brother, Harland (Hennie) Schmidtke, Holland, Mich., and other relatives and friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Norma “Liz” Bolgrin, his daughter-in-law, Dawn Schmidtke, his sister, Lyla “Toots” Coder, and his brother, Lyle Schmidtke.  

Jim had a real sense for adventure and an extreme case of wanderlust.  It was not unheard of for Jim to drive 60 miles for breakfast stopping many times along the way always taking the road less travelled and some times taking a tent or camper, “just in case”.  Jim loathed travelling on the interstate.  He always felt he was missing too much.  He was proud of the fact that he once drove to Florida without ever once getting on the interstate.  His life long love of water often lead him to the Mississippi river and he was fortunate enough to own a place on the river in Ferryville, WI.

Jim was truly blessed with the relationship he had with his family.  His Son-in-law and Daughters-in-law always called him Dad and were there for him to share in his many adventures and to lend a loving hand when needed.  His grandchildren also recognized Jim’s adventuresome ways and enjoyed spending time with him listening to his many stories or to help rescue a camper, car or boat that Jim had discovered while meandering and had decided to restore.

Funeral services will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, February 3, 2012, at the Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage.  Inurnment will be private at a later date.  Visitation will be held on Friday from 5:00 p.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home. 

 

 

 

Obituaries
For information please call 608 742-2126 (Portage, WI) or 608 635-2763 (Poynette, WI)