James "Jim" Gaffke

James "Jim" Gaffke, age 67 years, of Kewaskum was called home to be with the Lord on January 9, 2023 at Froedtert West Bend Hospital surrounded by his loving family.
Jim was born on January 20, 1955 in Milwaukee to Raymond and Shirlee Gaffke (Backus). He was united in marriage to Lynn Kempf on September 9, 1978 at St. Matthias Catholic Church in the town of Auburn.
Jim graduated from Kewaskum High School in 1973. He attended University of Northern Iowa and Milton College. Jim became a Journeyman Tool and Die Maker after his training at Moraine Park Technical College.
Jim was many things to many people. He was a husband, a father, a grandpa, a son, and a brother. He was a tool-and-die maker, a volunteer fireman, a hunter, and a fisherman. He was a high school multi-sport athlete, a college football player, an avid golfer, a Wisconsin sports fan, and most important, his family's biggest fan. And let's not forget how quick he was with a story and a joke in any situation. To so many, Jim was a great friend. Jim was always willing to lend a helping hand whether it was pouring concrete, building a deck, fixing a roof, or any number of projects. Jim brightened people's day with his ability to shoot-the-breeze whether he'd know you for 30 seconds or 30 years. Jim would offer his hand with a greeting or open his arms saying his classic phrase, "give to me large hug". Compassionate and full of love for others, Jim was always genuine, kind, helpful and a source of strength for friends and family. So many describe Jim as having "a heart of gold". He loved being with his grandkids, sharing his interests, reading endless stories, and telling thought-provoking yet sometimes questionable jokes. Jim never missed one of his kids sporting events, choir concerts or award ceremonies. He was their constant cheerleader.
Those Jim leaves behind to cherish his memory include his wife of 44 years, Lynn; children, Jamie (Ruth Vater) Gaffke, Josh (Jenny) Gaffke, and Lindsay (Adam) Gitter; grandchildren, Barney Vater-Gaffke, Theobald Vater-Gaffke, Alyce Gaffke, Leander Gaffke, and Duncan Gitter; siblings, Melodee Dorzak, Mark (Carol) Gaffke, and Jolene (Mike) Lang; sisters-in-law, LuAnn (Tim) Potter, Carrie (Al) Copperud, Pam (Jeff) Newhauser, Lisa (Matt) Perkins, and Holly Kempf. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his sister, Judy; and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Lee and Shirley Kempf (Staehler).
A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, January 21, 2023 at 12:00 Noon at Holy Trinity Catholic Church (305 Main St – Kewaskum, WI 53040). The family will greet relatives and friends on Saturday at Church from 10:00 am until 11:45 am. Memorials in Jim's name can be directed to Cancer Center at Froedtert West Bend Hospital or the Kewaskum Fire Department.
The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff at Froedtert West Bend Hospital and Horizon Hospice for their care and compassion.
Myrhum-Patten Funeral & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Jim's arrangements. Please consider signing our online guest book (www.myrhum-patten.com) to share your condolences with the family.
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