James Michael Bloechel was reunited with his Heavenly Father on June 16, 2017 at the age of 75. He was born on February 26 1942 in the Town of Oasis in Waushara County, Wisconsin. Jim was adopted by Michael and Edna Bloechel. He graduated from Oshkosh High School in 1960 and then attended the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.
He married Janet Rae McCord on August 25, 1962. They were married for 27 years and had 2 children. On June 28th, 1991, Jim married Joyce M. Bahr and they were married for nearly 20 years before her passing. They blended a family that totaled 5 children and were blessed with 13 grandchildren.
Jim was a lifelong resident of Oshkosh, Wisconsin. He was a member of First English Lutheran Church until his second marriage when he joined Martin Luther Church. He started his career at Badger Concrete where he was involved in drafting and design of Park Plaza. He continued on as a draftsman/designer/bidder at Klein-Dickert, Omni Glass, and Portage Glass. After retirement, he continued to work through his own business, Anchor Consulting, until the time of his passing.
Hunting, fishing, trap shooting, bowling, and playing cards with his buddies were just a few of Jim's many hobbies where he met numerous people with whom he would form lifelong friendships. He enjoyed traveling with his family. He was an avid fan of the Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers, and the Wisconsin Badgers. He also enjoyed golfing, and could be found on his sun porch many weekends watching the PGA tour. He devoted a large part of his life to the Oshkosh Elks Club, and he was honored to be appointed Exalted Ruler in 2016. Jim was a larger than life man with a golden heart who brought joy, love, and happiness to all those he came in contact with.
Jim is survived by his daughter Jennifer (Aaron) Stelzner, daughter Julie Redemann, step-daughter Mei (Paul) Bloechl, step-son Carl "CJ" Bahr, and step-daughter Mary Jo (Steve) Crooks. Grandchildren include Brittany Stelzner, Zachary Stelzner, Shannon Stelzner, Crystal Redemann, Annika Redemann, Kendra Bloechl, Angela Bahr, Aidan Bahr, Hailey Bahr, Gavin Bahr, Kyler Crooks, Andy Saray, and Kaleb Crooks. He is further survived by his sister Rosemary Schultz, first wife Janet Rae Bloechel, sister-in-law Gloria (Harry) Elkins of Florida, and numerous extended family and friends. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Michael and Edna Bloechel, son-in-law Steve Redemann, and second wife Joyce Bloechel.
A day of remembrance will be held on June 28th, 2017. The visitation will be held at First English Lutheran Church, 1013 Minnesota St, Oshkosh from 12:00-2:00. At 2:00 an honorary ceremony will be performed by the Oshkosh Elks Lodge 292 and the memorial service will follow. After the memorial service, inurnment will take place at Lakeview Memorial Cemetery with a graveside service led by Martin Luther Church. In Jim's honor, funds will be donated to the ENF 292 scholarship fund at the Elks Club.
Psalm 61: 4 & 8 "I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings. Then will I ever sing praise to your name and fulfill my vows day after day."