James D. Knorr, 73, Athens died Monday, September 27, 2010, at the Aspirus Wausau Hospital, Wausau surrounded by his family.
Jim was born February 5, 1937, in Wausau, the son of the late Erwin and Leona (Beilke) Knorr. He married Virginia T. Jaecks on June 2, 1962 in Wausau. Virginia preceded Jim in death on April 27, 1992.
Jim was a lifelong resident of the Town of Berlin and a second generation dairy farmer of Guernsey cattle. He attended the one-room Adams Rural School through 8th grade and graduated from Wausau High School in 1955.
Jim was a lifelong member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church – Naugart. He was baptized, confirmed, and taught Sunday school there. He was the past treasurer for St Paul’s Lutheran Church and Cemetery – Naugart. He was also a test corrector for WELS Special Missions.
Jim was past secretary/treasurer of the Marathon County Farmers Union and chairperson of the Farmers Union Milk Marketing Co-op District 5. He enjoyed attending Farmer’s Union meetings and conventions. Jim served on the Town of Berlin Planning Commission. Prior to Jim’s death, he served on the Marathon County Land and Water Resources Management Planning Committee.
Jim enjoyed playing the accordion, listening to polka music, and playing sheepshead. He loved driving his gator, bulldozer, and tractors. He especially enjoyed driving through his woods and viewing the magnificent maple and large pine trees. He liked to attend the annual Edgar steam show to view all the antique tractors and other farm equipment. His other joy was attending his grandchildren’s activities and sporting events.
Even though arthritis took away Jim’s mobility, it didn’t take away his ability to farm. Through assistive devices, he was able to continue to raise young cattle and cash crops. It was very important for Jim to be productive – no matter what. Jim’s never quit attitude and work ethic has been a great testament to the type of person he was and was how he raised his girls. Your hard work here is done Dad. It’s time for you to rest. You are loved and will be greatly missed.
Survivors include Jim’s three daughters, Lauri (Tim) Utecht, Town of Maine, Rhonda (Chad) Hoffer, Town of Berlin, and Carolyn (Fritz) Lehrke, Town of Berlin; seven grandchildren, Tyler, Jori, Taylor, Morgan, Kaitlyn, Sarah, and Freddy; and his hired hand and friend, Casey Wilcox.
Funeral services will be 5:30 PM, Friday, October 1, 2010 at Saint Paul’s Lutheran Church-Naugart, Town of Berlin. Reverend Nathaniel Biebert will be officiating. Visitation will be from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Thursday, September 30, 2010 at Helke Funeral Home, resuming at 3:30 until the time of services at the church on Friday. Burial will follow at Saint Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery.
We would like to extend a sincere thank you to all the nurses in the ICU at Aspirus Wausau Hospital who provided excellent care and showed great compassion for our father and family.