James N. Rochon

James N. Rochon, 85, Wausau, passed away at home, as was his wish on February 16, 2017 under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services. He was born August 6, 1931 in Florence, Wisconsin, son of the late Claude and Katherine Rochon. On June 7, 1958 he married Marlene R. LeMere at St. Michael Catholic Church, Wausau. She preceded him in death on May 8, 2015. James served in the U.S. Navy as a corpsman from 1949-1953. He was fond of bantering with his grandsons, U.S. Army National Guard and U. S. Marine Corps, about how the Navy was the best. He worked for Wisconsin Bridge and Iron and was a member of the Wausau Fire Department from 1960 until his retirement in 1987, rising through the ranks to retire as an Assistant Chief. After retirement he worked at the Domino Bar as a bartender and also through the years as a painter, painting many homes in the Wausau area. James loved hearing about his grandchildren and what was going on in their lives. He was a very proud grandfather with two grandsons in the military, two grandsons in college as well as a granddaughter in college. He enjoyed the outdoors, fishing for trout, walleye, musky and ice fishing. He also loved camping, deer and small game hunting and especially bow hunting with his wife, Marlene. He was a great sneak hunter for deer, pushing many deer to his sons and other members of his hunting gang. James was also an avid rabbit hunter with his numerous beagles. He loved sharing stories about his times in the outdoors. He also enjoyed reading newspapers, sporting magazines, putting puzzles together and working on the old hunting shack. Survivors include his sons, Charles (Jackie) Rochon, Oconto Falls and Dale Rochon, Foxboro; five grandchildren, Scot Rochon, Cincinnati, Ohio, Logan Rochon, Oconto Falls, Christopher Rochon, St. Cloud, Minnesota, Bryce Rochon, Camp Kinser, Okinawa Japan and Aubrie Rochon, Oconto Falls. Besides his parents and wife, Marlene, he was preceded in death by four brothers, Fritz, Jack, Bob and Claude, one sister, Merce, his father and mother-in-law, Bill and Margaret LeMere and brothers-in-law, Breck and Loyal LeMere. As per his wishes, there will be no formal services. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com