Obituary of James V. Schonke Sr.

James V. Schonke Sr., age 71, of Wisconsin Rapids, passed away Wednesday, November 14, 2018 at Bethel Center in Arpin, Wisconsin.

Services will be at 8:00 p.m on Sunday, November 18, 2018 at Herman-Taylor Funeral Home in Wisconsin Rapids.  Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Sunday at the funeral home.

James was born on July 10, 1947 to Vern and Irene (Mews) Schonke in Marshfield, Wisconsin.

James was passionate about working the land and dairy farming in his young adult life. As he got older, and had children, he would take his kids on family trips rotating between the fun and beauty of Wisconsin Dells, the adventure of Great America and the relaxing pace of Door County.

Family was very important to James, so he enjoyed simple, small, family gatherings with his children and grandchildren, and would even let his granddaughters paint his fingernails.

In his free time, James collected toy tractors, any kind, it didn’t matter to him. He could also be seen visiting with his friends, in the afternoon, down town Wisconsin Rapids at the local establishments.

James is survived by his two children; Jodi (Guy) Dupee of Arpin, WI; and James (Nicole) Schonke Jr. of Pepin, WI; his grandchildren; Dustin (Joana) Dupee of Arpin, WI, Heather (Trevor) Laher of Eau Claire, WI, Jessica (Arin) Rowe of Lindsey, WI; and three great-grandchildren; Chilynn and Allie May Rowe, and Kinsley Dupee.; 2 step-grandchildren; Christopher and Caitlyn Martin; Sister: LaVon Gruetzmacher; and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents and brother-in-law, Jim Gruetzmacher.

Herman-Taylor Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the family.