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James E. Schoelzel, age 77, of Colby passed away on Thursday, August 18, 2016 at Ministry St. Joseph's Hospital in Marshfield. A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 23, 2016 at Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford. Pastor Teri Hanson will officiate. Interment with Military Honors will be provided by the Colby VFW Post #2227 at Colby Memorial Cemetery. Family and friends are welcome from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. on Monday, August 22 and on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until time of service at the funeral home.
James was born on February 27, 1939, the son of Rudolph and Olivia (Gutenberger) Schoelzel in Colby. He graduated from Colby High School and enlisted in the U.S. Marines and served from 1958-1961. James later joined the U. S. Army in 1963, retiring in 1981. During his 20 years of service, he was stationed in Vietnam, Korea, Germany and the U.S.
James was united in marriage to Linda Greziak in 1967 and Martha Miller in 1976, both preceded him in death. He was united in marriage to Bonnie Bender on December 10, 2004 in Colby. James was an avid Packers and Brewers fan, loved sports and bowling.
James is survived by his wife, Bonnie of Colby; two step-sons, Michael (Teri) Buhmeyer of Janesville and Douglas "Pat" Buhmeyer of Beloit; his siblings: Darlene Wachtendonk, Jerry (Joan) Schoelzel, Darnell (Janice) Schoelzel, Emerita Phillips, Ronald Schoelzel, Sandy (George) Hudak and Connie (Duane) Stine; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Alice Schoelzel, Linda Schoelzel, Edith Schoelzel, Ramona Schoelzel, Wayne Seefeld and Jim Marth. He is further survived by many nieces and nephew, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two wives, Linda and Martha; brother, sisters and in-laws: Rudolph Jr. (Kathy), DuWayne, Edward Wachtendonk, Doris (Obert) Chamberlain, Lyle, Beatrice Marth, Ione (Gene) Pipkorn, Ray Phillips, Audris (Ralph) Gaetz, Ruth Schoelzel, Glen, Patricia Seefeld, Arlyn, Dennis, Albert and Korliss (John) Uhlig and several nieces and nephews.
Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com.