James “Jim” A. Block, age 65, of Merrill, passed away Wednesday, September 23, 2015 at his home under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care & Hospice Services. He was born March 6, 1950 in Oconto Falls to the late Arthur and Madeline (Shroyer) Block. On May 1, 1992 he and Karen Coenen were united in marriage in Appleton, WI.
Jim attended and graduated from Gillett High School. He went on to college in Green Bay for 3 years where he studied computer programming. Jim served in the U.S. Army. Jim and his wife, Karen, owned and operated a bakery in Kaukauna for many years. When they relocated to Merrill, Jim worked for 29 Super and Lincoln Windows. Until his retirement, Jim worked at Festival Foods as a baker. He loved the outdoors, whether it was fishing, hunting or camping, he just loved to be out in nature. Jim had a wonderful sense of humor. He enjoyed politics and listening to morning talk shows. Jim also enjoyed watching war movies, westerns and documentaries.
Survivors include his wife: Karen Block, Merrill; three sons: Greg (Heather) Block, Merrill, Jeremy (Mandy) Block, Oconto Falls, and James Block, Merrill; two sisters: Alice (Clarence) Meier, Gillett, and Barb (Danny) Dryja, Krakow; four grandchildren: Kassidy, Bryanna, Quinn, and soon to arrive, Brielle Block, daughter of Jeremy and Mandy Block; and many cousins, nieces, nephews and in-laws. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Gary Schroyer and sister-in-law, Jean Schroyer.
Per Jim’s wishes – a small family and friends prayer service will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2015 at 11:30am at the Waid Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation will begin on Saturday, September 26, 2015 at 9:30am and continue until the time of the prayer service, also at the funeral home. Burial will take place at the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Cemetery, following the service. Military Honors will be performed by the VFW Post #1638 of Merrill. Waid Funeral Home of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be made at www.waidfuneral.com.