James F. Romanski

James F. Romanski, 87, Wausau, WI, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, September 29, 2021.

He was born August 11,1934 in Wisconsin Rapids, WI to the late Peter and Dorothy (Grauvogel) Romanski. He graduated from Wisconsin Rapids Lincoln High School in 1952 and furthered his studies at St. Norbert College in De Pere, WI where he studied biology and participated on the collegiate Track and Field and Football teams and enlisted in ROTC. After graduation in 1956, James was stationed at Fort Lewis in the state of Washington, serving as First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Artillery.

James met Virginia Bradtke while attending St. Norbert College. On September 7, 1957, they were united in marriage until his passing. After Jim’s army service, he was a successful pharmaceutical sales representative for 34 years for the Upjohn Company, receiving many accolades for his performance. He retired in 1993. In his free time, he was a member of numerous organizations like Kiwanis and Hospice and was an active member of Resurrection Catholic Church (formerly St. James). His hobbies and interests included skiing, fishing, music, sports, reading, clock repair, and extensive travel all over the world.

James is survived by his wife of 64 years, Virginia (Bradtke) Romanski; daughter Jennifer (Scott) Leum of Genoa, WI; daughter Christine (Dave) Borleis of Waukesha, WI; grandchildren Elliot, Alexandria, and Ryan Leum; his brother Roger Romanski of Wisconsin Rapids, WI; and in-laws Lee and Barbara Vandersteen along with numerous nieces and nephews.  Special thanks go to Tara Dupuis, Annie Hanke, Beth O’Malley, and niece Mary Vandersteen for their unconditional love and support in recent years.

James was preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Dorothy and his brother Dan Romanski, in-laws Don and Mary Vandersteen, and most recently sister-in-law Pauline (Roger) Romanski.

Jim lived life to its absolute fullest and made friends with people of all walks of life. He was a gifted conversationalist and was an honest, generous, and compassionate man. He will be greatly missed but those who knew him are comforted knowing he was a firm believer in Christ and the Church and knew where he was going. Blessed be his memory.

The funeral for James will be held on Saturday, October 30, 2021 in Wausau. Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. at Resurrection Catholic Church followed by the funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m.  Rev. Joseph Richards will preside.  A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday following funeral services at the Wausau Elks Club from 12:30 until 3:30 p.m.  In lieu of flowers, any funds received in Jim’s memory will be directed to several of his favorite charities. Visit www.petersonkraemer.com  to express online condolences and to find the link to livestream the funeral on facebook.