James “Jim” Donald Stormer, 78, passed away Saturday, March 7, 2015 at his home on Arbutus Lake in Pickerel, Wis., after an illness.
He was born in Green Bay in July 11, 1936, the only son of Ethel Stormer. He grew up in Green Bay and served four years in the Air Force, serving in the Korean War, before marrying his wife of 53 years, Claudette Jandrain. The couple was united in marriage on Nov. 27, 1958, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Luxemburg. They lived in De Pere for most of their lives where they raised their seven children.
He worked at Fort Howard where he was a paper maker for 32 years. He always found time to be active in the community. He was a volunteer fireman for the Town of Lawrence for 25 years and was the zoning administrator. He was an active member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.
When he retired 20 years ago, he and Claudette moved to their cabin on Arbutus Lake, where he joined St. Mary’s Catholic Church. He stayed active as a volunteer firefighter and as an EMT for the Pickerel Fire and Rescue squad. He was elected to the Forest County Board of Supervisors, where he also served on several committees. He was vice president of the Wisconsin State Firefighters Association Inc.
He enjoyed the outdoors. He liked to hunt, fish, snowmobile, and just spend time outside. He was known for entertaining family and friends. He helped out with fundraisers for various causes and could often be found roasting a pig or making booyah.
He was an avid gardener, growing a large variety of produce and giving away the extras. He enjoyed woodworking, and crafted items for friends and family. He supervised and participated in the building of his cabin up north.
When his wife became ill, he spent four years taking care of her while she was on dialysis until she passed away in 2012.
He is survived by daughters, Stacy Bettis, Richmond Hill, Ga.; Susan Coenen Stormer, Oshkosh; Sherri (Don) Dequaine, De Pere; Stephanie Farnham, Williams Bay; and sons, Stuart Stormer, New Frankin; and Scott Stormer, Oshkosh; grandchildren, Jesse, Dalton, Jason, Allyssa, Brittni, Justin, Amanda, Devin, Jordan, Tanner, Nolan and Cassidy and his dog, Cheyenne.
In addition to his wife and mother, Jim was preceded in death by a son Steve Stormer.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday at 2:30 PM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church located at N9155 Hwy 55, Pickerel, WI 54465. Visitation will be Friday from 4:00PM until 8:00 PM at Strasser-Roller Funeral Home in Antigo, WI and on Saturday at the church from 1:00 PM until the service at the church. A parish wake service will be held on Friday at the funeral home at 5:00 PM.
A memorial will be established in Jim’s name.