James J. "Jim" Laufenberg

James Joseph Laufenberg, 76, of Vesper, WI passed away on August 14, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer.

A visitation will take place from 4:00pm – 7:00pm on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at Ritchay Funeral Home in Wisconsin Rapids. A funeral mass will be held at 11:00am on Friday, August 22, 2025, at St. James Catholic Church in Vesper, WI. A visitation will also be held at the church from 10:00am until the time of service. Burial will follow at St. James Cemetery.

Born in Marshfield on May 3, 1949, and raised on the family farm, Jim graduated from Auburndale High School in 1967. Jim enjoyed a 47-year career as a maintenance welder at the Nekoosa Paper Mill, interrupted only by proud service to his country. He was drafted into the Army in May 1969 and trained as a stevedore, before volunteering to go to Vietnam in May 1970. He returned to the States in March 1971, holding the rank of E5, Sergeant, at discharge.

Jim rode motorcycles his entire life and attended Sturgis three times. He worked on the pit crew of stock car driver Larry Detjens, was an avid snowmobiler, and also enjoyed collecting and restoring antique tractors. He married Sharon (Kingery) in 1984 and they celebrated their 41st anniversary this year. Jim and Sharon enjoyed travel (including trips to Costa Rica, Iceland, Alaska, and around the continental U.S.) and motorcycle and camping trips together and with their children. Jim was an active member and volunteer with St. James Catholic Church in Vesper. He was also a proud volunteer with the Never Forgotten Honor Flight, assisting with flights on the ground as well as flying to Washington, DC, twice as a Guardian and once as an honored veteran.

Jim was preceded in death by his infant brother DuWayne, parents Godfrey and Teresa Laufenberg, sister-in-law Carol (Dennis) Laufenberg, and several cousins, aunts and uncles. He is survived by his wife Sharon, children Heidi Ellingson, Kristin Laufenberg, and Jessica Laufenberg; sister Janice Laufenberg and brother Dennis (Carol) Laufenberg; grandchildren Dallas, Harmony, and Sierra and their partners; great-grandchildren Jac, Myrcellah, and Carter; several cousins; and many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent in Jim's name to the Never Forgotten Honor Flight in Wausau. The Laufenberg family extends their gratitude to the doctors and nurses who cared for him, and especially to the local friends of the family who showed such generosity, kindness, and friendship over Jim's last years.