James C. Wymelenberg

James “Fof” Wymelenberg found peace on Friday, September 14, 2018, at age 87, after living a long, happy and laughter-filled life. He was the devoted husband of  Sandy (nee Schmidt) for 47 years. The proud father of Tom, Richard (Anne), Julie (Sean) Downs, Carrie and Tracy. Loving grandfather of Jennette, Justin, Brandon, Mercedes and Chelsea, and grandfather to five great-grandchildren. He was brother to Suzanne (Richard), Nancy and Dunbar Godbold, the late Carol (Bibber) Ney, William and Robert and uncle to numerous nieces and nephews. And son to the late Clement and Gertrude Wymelenberg.

Jim was a well-loved man and touched many lives with his generosity, wisdom, open mind and quick wit.

He was an exemplary husband and consummate family man. He deeply loved his wife, Sandy. Their marriage was one fueled by kindness, commitment, friendship and love for their combined families.  They rarely exchanged a harsh word and treated each other with utmost grace. They were kindred spirits and role models for a healthy marriage. Jim’s eyes lit up when Sandy was near.

Together, Jim and Sandy raised bright, happy and capable children who shared many of Jim’s finest attributes, including his inquisitive and sharp mind, his fascination with the natural world, his kind and generous spirit and his ability to grow beautiful gardens.  He was tremendously proud of his children’s accomplishments, and even more so, of their ability to get along well with each other. James prioritized family togetherness over most things and shined most brightly when his family came together for conversation, laughter and (oh so much) teasing.

Jim and Sandy hosted countless gatherings in their home that were attended by his enormous circle of family and friends, from near and far.   He had an open mind and was never one to judge people from different backgrounds.  It was through this important trait that he garnered many close friendships and “adopted” new family members throughout his life.  He was fondly referred to by friends as their “American”  or “Milwaukee” father.  He opened his home and his heart to anyone… as long as they could make him laugh and keep a good conversation.

Jim enjoyed staying perpetually busy throughout his life. He proudly worked as a lithographer for the Mandel Printing Company for nearly 50 years, while simultaneously holding a part-time job as a bartender at Danny Lynch’s Tavern.  Following his retirement, he continued to work in a variety of part-time jobs until he was in his early 80’s.

Jim also served his community as a life-long member and committed volunteer for the New Berlin Lion’s Club.  He was very proud to have volunteered at the Wisconsin State Fair New Berlin Lion’s Corn Roast for over fifty consecutive years.  He was dedicated to the mission of the Lion’s Club and enjoyed many deep, life-long, family friendships that grew from this group.

Jim loved learning and had an infinite curiosity about the world and people around him. He spent his leisure time excelling in countless hobbies, including  gardening, stained glass work, golf, tennis, skiing, cooking and reading.  Anything to keep his mind and body active. Throughout his life, it was not uncommon to find a stack of finished crosswords, sudoku puzzles and fully-paged through newspapers, National Geographic and Smithsonian magazines sitting next to his reclining chair.

He had a deep appreciation for nature, geography, history and engineering. There is hardly a bird or plant he couldn’t identify, a country he couldn’t name, nor an historical event of which he was not familiar.  His family will deeply miss calling to quiz him, as he was the resident expert of nearly all things.  And he loved the challenge of searching for answers to any stump questions that came his way.  James was also a true renaissance man, who could build and repair nearly anything… though his work was most often accompanied by a few choice curse words. His patience with projects was sometimes perhaps less present than his patience with people.

James was a model human being who lived a long and fulfilling life.  His family is infinitely grateful for his love, his guidance and the time spent with him.  His strong spirit and big heart will be greatly missed by countess loved ones who we hope share our gratitude for knowing such an excellent person.  Rest peacefully, Fof, until we meet again.

Gathering at Krause Funeral Home, 12401 West National Avenue on Friday, September 21, 2018 from 1:00 PM – 3:45 PM. Memorial Service 4:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the New Berlin Lion’s Club appreciated.