JAMES GAZECKI

James E. Gazecki, age 83, died on August 30, 2020 at St. Paul Elder Services in Kaukauna after a long struggle with dementia. Jim was born on April 22, 1937 to the late Philip and Leona (Schmalz) Gazecki. 

Jim attended St. Mary Catholic School and Menasha High School, graduating in 1955. He later graduated from the Appleton School of Business with a degree in Accounting. From 1960-1962, Jim served in the U.S. Army stationed in Germany during the Cold War. He then served honorably in the U.S. Army Reserves until 1966.

On July 7, 1966, Jim married Alice Bisser Boegh. In 1968, they purchased a home on Grove Street where they resided for 42 years together. Jim was employed at Whiting Paper Company as a machinist and over time rose to the position of president. During retirement, Jim found fulfillment as a Lamers bus driver for children with special needs.

Jim was a faithful member of St. Timothy Lutheran Church in Menasha. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends at their cottage on Lake Poygan. Jim loved God, his family, dogs (especially Pebbles, Barney, and Emmy), woodworking, Dr. Pepper and a good steak, military history, country music and musicals, duck decor, movies, and a good joke. Jim was very generous with his time, talents, and resources; often helping people going through a tough time. We will always remember him for his quick wit, generosity, and love of family.

Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Alice Gazecki; daughter, Tina (David) Skarsten; granddaughter, Rachel (Murad) Skarsten-Karim, and grandson Jared Skarsten. He is further survived by sisters-in-law, Karen Bisser and Louise (Arlyn) Dieck; and nieces/nephew, Gayle Dieck (Ian), Jonathan Dieck, Cindy Bisser, and Janet Bisser. 

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Eugene and Robert (Buddy); sister Jeanne; and brother-in-law Fred Bisser.

Jim's family would like to thank Oakridge Gardens, Ascension Hospice, and St. Paul Elder Services for their kindness and compassionate care.

We are so glad that Jim has been released from his 15+ year long struggle with dementia and is now reunited with his loved ones in Heaven.  Blessed be his memory!

Due to Covid-19, the family will be having a private graveside service with Rev. David Skarsten officiating at Riverside Cemetery in Oshkosh.  Military honors will be observed.

If you wish to make a donation in memory of Jim, it would be greatly appreciated to one of the following:

St. Timothy Lutheran Church

473 7^th St., Menasha, WI  54952  OR

Alzheimer's Association – Green Bay Region

2900 Curry Ln  Suite A, Green Bay, WI 54311