James E. "Bites" Beitzel

Beitzel, James E. "Bites"

James E. "Bites" Beitzel, age 71, of 1917 12th Street, Two Rivers, died peacefully at his residence, with his family at his side early Monday morning, August 31, 2015, following a courageous battle with Leukemia and Heart Disease.

Jim was born June 4, 1944 in Two Rivers, son of the late Edward and Agnes (Ruelle) Beitzel. He attended St. Luke's Catholic Grade School and Washington High School in Two Rivers, graduating with the class of 1962. On June 27, 1964, he was united in marriage to Patricia A. Benzinger, his high school sweetheart, at St. Luke's Catholic Church, Two Rivers. Jim began working for Harlow's Foods at an early age, and worked his way up - managing several departments throughout the years, eventually owning the grocery store. He also worked for a short time at Whitelaw Sausage Co. and Browns Auto of Two Rivers. After retiring, Jim also tended bar for many years at Dick's Wonder Bar. Bites was an avid Green Bay Packer Fan and Milwaukee Brewer Fan; he enjoyed watching the birds in his yard, gardening, fishing at Lakewood for a week in the summer with his family, big ball & miniature bowling, and playing dartball. He also enjoyed socializing at local establishments and trying his luck to win "the jackpot".Jim was a loving husband, father, grandfather and brother and was well liked for his gentle, friendly nature.

Survivors include his wife, Pat; two daughters & sons-in-law, Amy and Kurt Klein of Appleton, Christine and Steve Kjornes of Juneau, WI; four grandchildren, Conner and Foster Klein; Josh and Kelli Kjornes; and one sister, Leah Lemanchek of Two Rivers. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three sisters and four brothers-in-law, Jeannine and Robert Rehrauer, Sharon and Paul Havlichek, Shirley and Richard Vanne, and Robert Lemanchek; his step-father, Fritz Krey; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Joseph and Theresa Benzinger; and three brothers-in-law: Robert, Dale, and James Benzinger.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 4, 2015 at St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church, 3201 Mishicot Rd. Two Rivers. Officiating at the Mass of Christian Burial will be Rev. Tom Reynebeau. Cremation will follow the services, with burial at a later date.

The family will greet relatives and friends at St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church, Friday morning from 9:00 until 11:00 a.m. There will be no Thursday evening visitation.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.dejamartin.com.

Deja & Martin Funeral Chapels, 1506 18th St. Two Rivers is assisting the Beitzel family with funeral arrangements.

The Beitzel family would like to express their sincere appreciation to Dr. Andrew Yetter, and the entire staff of the Vince Lombardi Cancer Clinic for their compassion and the wonderful care extended to our husband, father, and grandfather.