Obituary published on Legacy.com by Sippel Funeral Home - New Holstein on Apr. 18, 2023.
James E. ''PeeWee'' Heus, age 80, of rural New Holstein ''Marytown'', passed peacefully at home with his family at his side on Saturday, April 15, 2023.
He was born November 26, 1942, on the family homestead in Marytown to Gilbert & Veronica (Krupp) Heus. Upon graduating from New Holstein High School in 1960, he enlisted in the Army National Guard and later served active duty during the Berlin Crisis with the Red Arrow Division. Following serving in the Guard, he worked at various jobs.
On August 29, 1970, he married Lori Steiner at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Marytown. He and his wife took over the Heus family farm which they operated until their retirement. During his prime, he farmed his land from sunrise to sunset. His dairy farm was run with efficiency and pride. In addition to running the 250+ acre farm, Jim also managed custom baling, corn drying, and field spraying for area farmers. For a break he would take occasional trips to the cabin up north.
Once retired Jim remained busy through a variety of hobbies. He enjoyed deer hunting, more for the camaraderie than the actual hunt. It was likely that more steaks, drinks, and snacks were packed for those trips than ammunition. He took pride in preparing a good fish fry from his most recent catch. Lake Winnebago was his favorite fishing spot, no matter the season. He was such a fishing enthusiast that he even drilled holes in his brand new trucks so he could fish right from the passenger seat. As an avid sports fan, PeeWee never missed a Brewer or Packer game from the comfort of his recliner. During commercial breaks he was likely recording jokes (not always appropriate) on his phone to share with friends and family at a later date. If his vehicle was home and he was nowhere to be found, he was likely in his wood-working shop or down at the pond that he created and stocked with fish for his grandkids. While in his wood shop, Jim made his personalized wooden toys, tables, games, and ornaments with precision and love. Twice a week, he would join his card playing buddies for a game of Sheephead, hoping to win big. PeeWee also loved watching wildlife through the spotting scope on his kitchen table, especially the birds that inhabited the houses he built. Some of his final thoughts were likely of his returning martins.
Survivors include his wife, Lori; four children, Jamie (Matt) Thompson of Beaver Dam, Brian (Jennifer) Heus of Kewaskum, Brenda Jensema (fiancé, Chris Thomas) of Waunakee, and Jason (Jennifer) Heus of rural New Holstein ''Marytown''; 14 grandchildren, Kaylee, Alex, Autumn, Hunter, Brandon (Taylore), Jon (Star), Tyler, Ellyana, Addalyn, Chris, Lillia, Jaycie, Claire, and Samuel; his sisters, Dolores Buechel, Rita (Allen) Klotz, and Joan Carpenter all of New Holstein; his sisters-in-law, Audrey (James) Mueller of Fond du Lac and Shirley (John) Marteeny of The Villages, FL. He is further survived by nieces; nephews; other relatives; and many friends especially, Del & Julie Faust and Tom Melger.
Preceding him in death were his parents, Gilbert & Veronica Heus; his father-in-law & mother-in-law, Elroy & Millie Steiner; brothers-in-law, Ronald Buechel, Bob Lisowe, Dale Carpenter, Joseph Karls, Randy Moioffer, Allen Steiner, and John Steiner; and his sister-in-law, Joyce (Roger) Schoenborn.
A Liturgy Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, April 22, 2023, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Marytown (N10232 County Road G,
New Holstein, WI 53061).
Visitation: Family and friends may visit with the family at the church in Marytown on Friday, April 21st from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM. Visitation will also be at the church Saturday morning, April 22nd from 9:30 AM until 10:30 AM.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund will be established in his name for local fishing clubs.
PeeWee's family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the Calumet County Health & Hospice staff, especially Lindsey, who helped the family during this difficult time.
For further information, please contact the Sippel Funeral Home in New Holstein (920) 898-4300 or visit www.sippelfuneralhome.net