James "Jim" Schlewitz

James "Jim" A. Schlewitz, 62, Wausau, died Saturday, December 15, 2012 under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services at Aspirus Wausau Hospital, surrounded by his family. He was born December 30, 1949 in Eau Claire, son of the late Reinhart and Ruth (Zimmerman) Schlewitz. On December 2, 1978 he married Elaine Madaus in Eau Claire. They just celebrated their 34th wedding anniversary. Jim worked for United Parcel Service (UPS) for over 30 years, during which he acquired many great friends. Among his many interests were going to car races with his friends, shooting pool, bowling, golfing, and watching the Brewers, Badgers and Packers play. Jim loved watching his kids sporting events and cherished time spent with family. He also had a special love for his pets, always making sure they had treats throughout the day. Jim had always had an avid love of racing and classic cars. He was a hardcore NASCAR fan and especially liked the driver Matt Kenseth. Growing up he used to drag race cars and also enjoyed going to classic car shows with his '67 Camaro. In recent years he found enjoyment from helping to sponsor his good friend Mark Kraus in the ASA Midwest Tour racing series. Jim battled Multiple Myeloma for the last 14 years. He was originally given 2-4 years to live, but greatly exceeded those expectations. His goal was to see his children graduate high school and he was not only able to accomplish that, but also see 2 of his children graduate College. One of Jim's regrets was that he hadn't finished his own degree. In May of 2010, Jim fulfilled that dream by graduating with a Bachelors degree from the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire. Survivors include his wife, Elaine, Wausau; children, Heidi (Jerrick Krueger) Schlewitz, St. Paul, Minnesota, Kristi Schlewitz, Stevens Point, and Daniel Schlewitz, Wausau; brother, Jerry (Sharon) Schlewitz, Eau Claire, and many other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Jim was preceded in death by both of his parents and by an infant daughter, Sarah. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 22, 2012 at Rib Mountain Lutheran Church. Rev. Thomas F. Hoelter will officiate. Burial will be 1:00 p.m. Sunday, December 23, 2012 in Trinity Cemetery, Fall Creek. Friends may call on Friday, December 21, 2012 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 3400 Stewart Avenue, Wausau, and again on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services at the church. The family wishes to extend their sincere appreciation to Dr. Douglas Reding, Pat, Dr. Gregory Wcisel, the staff at Aspirus ICU, Palliative Care, Comfort Care and Hospice services and Marshfield Clinic for the compassionate care given to Jim and his family. In lieu of flowers, a memorial is being established. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com