James Wachsmuth

James "Jim" P. Wachsmuth, 72, Wausau, died unexpectedly on Saturday, August 5, 2017 surrounded by his family, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. He was born May 2, 1945 in Ashland, son of the late Julian and Eva (Byrnes) Wachsmuth. On August 24, 1968, he married JoAnn Havlovick at St. Matthew Catholic Church, Wausau. She survives. Jim was a veteran of the United States Army and served in the Vietnam War. For 40 years, he was employed as a waste treatment operator at Wausau Paper Corp. until his retirement. Survivors include, his wife, JoAnn Wachsmuth, Wausau; three children, James Wachsmuth, Madison, Tonya (Greg) Schlaefer, Maple Grove, Minn. and Mary Jo Wachsmuth, Mendota Heights, Minn.; one daughter-in-law, Tanya Wachsmuth, Stamford, Conn.; eight grandchildren, Daniela, Jim, Kalin and Dana Wachsmuth, Megan, Caraline, Joey and Isabel Schlaefer; and three siblings, Sandy Clark, Ladysmith, Karen (Bob) Erickson, Wausau and Henry Wachsmuth, Waseca, Minn. He is further survived by his "Second Family" and many brothers and sisters in law, nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by one son, Todd; five siblings, Patrick, Mary, Donna, Barbara and Mike; and infant twin siblings, Jon and Karen Lee. Jim was a gentle soul, who always thought of others before himself - willing to do anything he could to lessen someone else's burden. The Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 19, 2017 at St. Matthew Catholic Church, Wausau. Rev. Peter Kieffer will preside. Friends may call on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until time of services at the church. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 3400 Stewart Avenue, Wausau is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com