James W. Morrell

James W. Morrell, 95, of Lake Hallie, died peacefully at Mayo Hospital in Bloomer, WI, on Monday, December 23, 2024.

On April 6, 1929, Jim was born to Edward and Grace (Wallin) Morrell in Menomonie, WI. James graduated from Chippewa Falls Senior High School with the class of 1947. He attended the University Wisconsin Eau Claire, where he studied business and commercial art. James served his country with the US Army until his Honorable Discharge in 1953.

Jim then married Darlene Rasmus; they spent 62 wonderful years together. Darlene was the love of his life. 

After his military discharge, Jim worked at the Northen colony, while also completing his Commercial art degree. He then worked for the Family Shopper, The Ad-Delite, and the Eau Claire Trading post, retiring at the age of 78. He also designed the logo banner for the Ad-Delite that is still being used today.

In Jim’s lifetime, he owned many old cars, and motorcycles. He also owned an airplane at one point. He was always working on a project and tinkering with something in the garage or basement. While Jim lived and long and fruitful life, he will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

Jim is survived by his children, Julie (Pete) Lea and John (Julie) Morrell; grandchildren, Maurita (Nick) Burzynski, Zachary Lea, Jennifer (Brandon) Nelson, Hannah (Matt) Riley, Mitchell, Nick and Parker Morrell; great-grandchildren, Alex, Gabriel, Theodore and Lilly Burzynski, Jack, Eric and Joseph Riepe, Jaisley Nelson, Malachi and Noah, and Ruby Riley; siblings, Patricia Brown and Virginia Nunke; sister in-law, Joann Rasmus; along with many nieces, nephews and other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers; John, Bob, and Don, wife, Darlene in 2017; and son, Steven in 2023.

The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, April 4, 2025, at Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel, 44 E. Columbia St., Chippewa Falls, with a visitation one hour prior to the service. Following the service, Military Honors will be conducted by the Chippewa Falls Patriotic Council. At a later date, the interment will be in the Scandinavian Cemetery, Town of Woodmohr, Chippewa County, WI.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.