James G. Best

James G. Best, 91, town of Knowlton, passed away Friday, January 7th, 2022, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.

He was born November 29, 1930, in Mellen, son of the late Walter and Geraldine (Valeske) Best.  On November 16, 1963, he was united in marriage to Mary Kay Lantz in Minneapolis, MN.  She survives.

Jim proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from 1951-1954 during the Korean War.  After serving his country he graduated from Northland College in Ashland WI.  He spent most of his career in the insurance business as an insurance underwriter.  After retirement, he worked at several part time jobs including Marathon Park and Fleet Farm.

Among his favorite pastimes, he enjoyed walking his dogs, spending time with his cats, spending time outdoors and most kinds of music.  He wasn’t a particular fan of his kid’s “Jungle” music as he called it. 

Jim is survived by his wife Mary Kay; three children, Bill (Melissa) Best, Mosinee, Bob (Dana) Best, Wausau, and Scott Best, Mosinee; grandchildren Makayla and Carissa Best, Nicholas, Grayson and Marshall Best, Brianna Best and her half-sister Destiny Shultz, great-granddaughter Iyanna Best. 

Besides his parents he was preceded in death by two brothers, Jerome and Gene Best and granddaughter Hannah Best.

The family is planning a celebration of life at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Jim’s honor can be directed to Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau, WI  54403.

The family would like to thank all of the caring staff at Aspirus Wausau Hospital and Dr. Stephanie Alford at Orthopedic Associates.   We would like to especially thank Dr. Nichols for caring touch and Tim and Jillian with the post-surgery nursing team that helped our family immensely during his final days and hours.  

We also want to thank all of his friends and neighbors that honked and waved when they drove by the house.  He really enjoyed spending time outside and the entertainment this provided to him.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James G. Best, please visit our floral store.