James G. Parnau

Parnau, James G. Passed away unexpectedly at his home in Muskego on Monday, July 24, 2017 at the age of 86. Loving husband of the late Georgia (nee Muehleisen) for 50 years and is survived by Angeline (nee Tenerelli), his wife of 13 years. Adored father of Gregg (Kathy), Bruce (Anita), Lisa (Tom) Just, Kerry (Steve) Reynolds, and Kent (fiancee Nicole). Beloved stepfather and uncle of Michael (Judy), Jeffrey (Sandy), and Tom (Lynn). Doting grandfather of Michelle (Rob), Rick, Rebecca (Allen), Kristina (Brian), Monika (David), Jakob (Andrea), Zachary, Keith, Alec, Kyle, James Dean, and Georgia and step-grandfather of Ryan, Amanda (Mike), Ritch (Joelle), Deana (David), Kim (Troy), Heather (Josh), Jay (Julie), Sarah (Dave), Adrienne (Jeff), Tom Jr., Tim (Heather), Cara, Ben, Sam, Scotty (Jessie), Jason (Heather), Stephanie, Samantha, and Quinlyn. Great-grandfather of Jackson, Caroline, Nolan, Madison, Wyatt, Carter, Isabella, Brooklyn, Harper, and Charlotte. He is further survived by many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his brother Richard and sister Lorraine (Edward) Franken. Jim was a Korean War veteran and was able to take part in an Honor Flight to Washington DC in 2015, a memory he held dear. Jim proudly served in the Milwaukee Police Force, retiring as a deputy inspector after 32 years. For many years Jim volunteered for St. Vincent de Paul and was an active member of the Knights of Columbus. Through and outside of these affiliations, Jim was always seeking out individuals in need and went out of his way to provide whatever help he could. Family, church, community, work, travel, card clubs, tax prep, it didn't matter what order those activities got ranked, because Jim had the energy and drive to do them all. No one is sure which past-time Jim enjoyed more; finding his favorite deals (aka "free") or playing cards, but it was always to help out or to enjoy being with friends and family. A memorial gathering for Jim will be held on Monday, July 31st at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church (7963 S. 116th St. Franklin) from 9:00 AM until the time of the Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM. Burial with military honors will take place at the St. Martin of Tours Cemetery following services. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to either the Knights of Columbus Council 4580 or St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church.