| Notes |
- October 2, 2006
Nelessen, James A. "Jim" James Anthony Nelessen, 76, Appleton, went into the arms of Jesus, his Savior on Sept. 30, 2006, surrounded by his family, after a courageous battle with cancer. Jim was born on Nov.25, 1929, in Wrightstown, to the late Anton and Sophia Nelessen. He married Rita Schmidt on May 21, 1953. Jim was employed at Thilmany Pulp and Paper, Kaukauna for 37 years. He was a Color Chemist prior to his retirement in 1990. Jim proudly served his country during the Korean War as a staff sergeant in the Army. Jim was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post #7692, Freedom, Wis. He was also a member of the Military Honors Team. One of Jim's passions was being an advocate for unborn children. He felt our troops fight for the rights of all, including the unborn. Jim was a man of great faith. He was a member of Christ the Rock Community Church where he participated in men's, marriage and prayer ministries. He also shared his faith through words and deeds. Jim loved serving others and was always available with his time and talents. Any task he knew how to do, he was willing to do for others. His impact of caring and serving others through music will be remembered forever. He taught himself how to play the guitar at age 35. Whether around a campfire, a relative's wedding reception, a Bible study, a nursing home or a party, Jim was ready to bring joy to the occasion. In December 2005, Jim and Rita made a recording of their favorite music (Precious Memories) for their family. For many years Jim and Rita owned a cabin (Rainbow Acres) in Fence, Wis. Many memories were made with family and friends. For the past 16 years they wintered in McAllen, Texas. They enjoyed traveling and their last trip was in July when they visited their Winter Texan friends in the Midwest and Canada. Jim loved life. He loved spending time with his kids and grandkids. He enjoyed playing cards, playing games, the outdoors, walking, planting, trimming and cutting trees, gardening, fishing, and hunting, and loved his Badgers and Packers.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years; four children, Lou (Scott) Andersen, Waupaca; Jeff (Jean Ann) Nelessen, Merrill; Dan (Joan) Nelessen, Appleton; and Mark (Carla) Nelessen, Neenah; 12 grandchildren, Erin Andersen, (Ben, Josh, Katie, Rose), (Heather, Tanner, Amber), (Eric, Kristin, Spencer and Luke) Nelessen. He is further survived by brothers and sisters, Eugene (Bernice) Nelessen, Bob (Marion) Nelessen, Dolores (Gene) Van Camp, Millie (Gordy) Newhouse, Helen (Rich) Diedrich, and Dolly (Dale) Meulemans; brother and sisters-in-law, Ceil Nelessen, Mary (Bob) Kessler, and Art Vosters; brothers-and sisters-in-law, Anaceil Randerson, Vincent (Rose) Schmidt, Clifford (Rita) Schmidt, Therese, Dolores, Richard Schmidt, and Mary Rose Head. He is further survived by numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by infant twin daughters, Katherine and Karen; brothers and sisters, Norbert Nelessen, Ruth (Len)VandeHey, Urb (Betty) Nelessen, Clarence Nelessen, Marie (Ed) Vosters, Eunice (Bill) Vosters; a sister-in-law, Arlene Nelessen; father and mother-in-law, John and Hattie Schmidt; and brothers-in-law, David Head, Patrick Randerson, Joseph and Alois "Buddy" Schmidt.
All family and friends are invited to a special funeral service to celebrate Jim's life. The service will be at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2006, at Christ the Rock Community Church, (W6254 Highway 10-114, Menasha) with Pastor Bill Lenz officiating. The VFW Post # 7692 will conduct Military Rites immediately following the service. Committal will be at Highland Memorial Park. Family and friends may visit Tuesday, from 2 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. at the church.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established.
The family would like to thank everyone for their support and prayers over the last 18 months. We would like to extend a special thanks to Dr. John Swanson, Martha Siekman Cancer Center, St. E's Radiation Department, and Affinity Hospice staff especially Rachel, for their compassion and care.
Hon - Thank you for the love and friendship that we have shared all these years. I will miss you, but I know you are in your eternal home, free from pain, and that will comfort me. Love, Rita
O'CONNELL
FUNERALSERVICES
2020 E. Main Street
Little Chute 920-759-2951
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1929 - 2006 (76 years)
