James Kruyne

Kruyne, James P. "Jim" Age 77, of Rhinelander, passed away on Friday, May 16, 2008, at his home. Jim was born on December 17, 1930, in Milwaukee, to Jacobus and Elsa (nee Puelicher) Kruyne. He was raised in Milwaukee and attended Lawrence University where he was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. After graduation in 1952, he entered the Air Force and was stationed at Stead Air Force Base in Reno, Nevada. He and Barbara married in 1954 and lived in Reno for a short time before returning to Milwaukee. From there, they moved to Appleton where Jim was employed as a National Bank Examiner. In 1961, he was hired by the First National Bank in Rhinelander where he worked as Vice President and Cashier until his retirement in 1987. Jim had a variety of interests over the years. He and Barbara belonged to the Reno Sports Car Club while living in Nevada. Here in Rhinelander, he belonged to the Camp 10 Ski Club and was a member of the National Ski Patrol. He and Barbara belonged to the Rhinelander Country Club. Jim was active in the American Cancer Society and served as President and Treasurer for several years. He was also a charter member of the Rhinelander Kiwanis Club and served there as Secretary and Treasurer and earned the status of Life Member. In later years, Jim's passion was animals and he dearly loved his work as a volunteer at both the Southern Arizona Humane Society in Tucson and at the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah. He and Barbara owned and fostered several animals over the years. They enjoyed many winters in Tucson and loved to travel all over the United States. Jim was a good and honorable man, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle. May all who knew him be left with fond memories. He will be missed. Jim is survived by his wife, Barbara; son, James Allen of Dale City, Virginia; daughters, Julie Anne of Madison, and Jennifer (Jeffrey) Williams of Columbia, South Carolina; and grandsons, James William of Blacksburg, Virginia, Steven Paul of Dale City, Virginia, and William Williams of Columbia, South Carolina. In addition, he is survived by his brother, John (Janet) Kruyne of Cherry Valley, Illinois, and nieces and nephews, Jack (Jackie) Kruyne of Ballwin, Missouri, Jon (Jennifer) Kruyne of Fenton, Missouri, Jill (Mike) Shafranski of Madison, and Jamie (Mitch) Gipp of Lakeville, Minnesota. He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant son, Peter John, his paternal grandparents, Adrianus and Elizabeth (nee Van der Vyver) Kruyne of Rotterdam, the Netherlands, and his maternal grandparents, John H. and Mathilda (nee Siefert) Puelicher of Milwaukee. In accordance with Jim's wishes, there will be no formal services. A Celebration of Jim's life where family will greet friends will be held at Hildebrand-Russ Funeral Home, 715-365-4343, on Saturday, May 24, 2008, from 4:00 - 6:00 PM. A memorial has been established in Jim's name, and contributions may be directed to St. Mary's Hospital Foundation or Ministry Home Health Care and Hospice Services. All are invited to share memories of Jim online at: hildebrandfh.com