James "Jim" Reissmann

James "Jim" B. Reissmann, age 62, lifelong resident of Wausau, died June 1, 2013 under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services at Aspirus Wausau Hospital, surrounded by his family. He was born January 6, 1951, to the late Emil and Ruth (Irick) Reissmann. On October 14, 1972 he married Mary Tabaka. Jim and Mary celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary on October 14, 2012. Jim began work as a mechanic with Brickner's of Wausau in 1977. He retired from Brickner's in 2010 after over 30 years of dedicated service. During his employment, he achieved the title of Master Automobile Technician from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence and maintained that certification for over 25 years. He was also named as Top Technician at Brickner's. Jim had a lifelong love of racing. He began drag racing in his early twenties, and continued his hobby until the age of fifty. He raced his cars throughout the state in bracket races and also raced in several National Hot Rod Association national events. His last race car was a 1986 Dodge Daytona that he rebuilt in his garage, transforming a street car into a rear wheel drive race car that covered a quarter mile in 9.25 seconds at a speed of 170 miles per hour. Other hobbies Jim enjoyed included maintaining a large flower garden with his wife, Mary. He was also an avid Packers fan and most of all he enjoyed spending time with his friends and family. Survivors include his wife, Mary, Wausau; children, Kelly (Tim Specht), Crest Hill, Illinois, and Kevin Reissmann, Wausau; sisters, Bonnie (Robert) Pergolski, Wausau, and Karen (Marvin) Strassburger, Wausau, and close friend, Terry Wimmer, Menomonee Falls. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant sister, Sharon. Funeral services will be 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 4, 2013 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Wausau. Rev. Gary Schultz will officiate. Friends may call Tuesday from 3:00 p.m. until the time of services all at the church. The family wishes to extend their appreciation to Dr. Kris Lahren, Barb Torgerson, Barbara Budimlija and other staff at Aspirus Pulmonary and Critical Care and the staff at Aspirus Wausau Hospital and Comfort Care and Hospice Services for the compassionate care given to Jim and his family. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com