James E. Giese

James E. Giese 78, Athens, died early Monday morning January 30, 2006 at his home under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care & Hospice Services. He was born February 24, 1927 in the town of Rib Falls, son of the late Edward and Ruth (Jacobitz) Giese. On September 10, 1949 he married Bernice Framke at Trinity Lutheran Church, Athens. She survives. Jim served in the United States Marine Corps during World War II and in the Korean War. He was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Andrew J. Sutter Post #8527 and also a member of the American Legion Chapman-Belter Post #4, both of Athens. He was employed as a mechanic for Borchardt and Stremer in Athens for 15 years. Jim also did maintenance for the Village of Athens and part-time police work until the time of his retirement. Besides being a volunteer fireman in Athens for 38 years, Jim was a member of the Three Bears Hunting Camp and enjoyed going to Canada fishing every spring. Along with his wife Bernice, they both enjoyed traveling and spending winters in Texas. Besides his wife, Bernice Giese, Athens, survivors include one son, Kenneth (Virginia) Giese, Mosinee; two grandchildren, Michael (Rachel Inman) Giese, Mosinee and Crystal (Shawn) Betts, Wausau; five sisters, Shirley Gluch and Rosemary (Daniel) Boxrucker all of Rhinelander, Joan (Harvey) Kufahl, Tomahawk, Jackie Bergman, Tripoli and Nancy Streich, Merrill; two brothers, Tom (Helen) Giese, Athens and Edward (Marge) Giese, Sussex along with many nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by one sister, June Giese and one brother Robert Giese. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, February 2, 2006 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Athens. Rev. Donn Radde will officiate. Burial will be in the Athens Lutheran Cemetery. Friends may call from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday at the Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens and again from 10:00 a.m. Thursday until the time of services at the church. There will be a 8:00 p.m. prayer service Wednesday evening followed by a military memorial service conducted by the Athens VFW. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church or School. Online condolences at www.petersonkraemer.com