James Dean Ninnemann

James Dean Ninnemann, Wausau 71 passed away unexpectedly August 1, 2025. Jim was born May 2, 1954 to the late Lawrence and Delores (Zahrt) Ninnemann.

Jim married the love of his life, Kelly on June 27, 2009. They were married 16 years and blended two wonderful families and created beautiful memories together.

Jim was a devoted husband, father, stepfather, and grandfather who loved spending time with all of them, unconditionally. Jim loved his outdoor adventures of hunting (whitetails, bears, coyotes) fishing, four wheeling, and gardening. He liked camping, especially with his wife at his sister’s cottage, on their anniversary.

Jim was employed at Kowalski’s Masonry before going into the bar/restaurant business where he co-owned Chico’s Restaurant for many years. Jim then worked at Double D Masonry where he was able to retire.

In his free time, Jim was a phenomenal cook and if anyone had his chili or steaks, you would know. He liked to can the tastiest pickles, tomatoes and made his homemade sausage. Jim played pool for many years in league and later liked playing for fun. He loved to go to his grandchildren’s concerts and sporting events to cheer them on, he was their biggest fan. Jim spent the majority of his free time at “the shack” where he enjoyed playing cards with family, friends and “hunting buddies.” He cooked maple syrup in the spring, cut wood in the winter to get ready for hunting with his children in the fall.

Jim has a kind, fun loving, and caring soul. He loved to joke, laugh, and be in social settings with the people he cared about. He was the type of guy that would help you out at the drop of a hat. He will be severely missed. Jim was a member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in the town of Wausau, which left him a little lighter and brighter in spirit.

Jim is survived by his wife, Kelly Ninnemann; children, Abbi (Travis) Rusch, Justin (Skye) Ninnemann, Travis Ninnemann, Desirae (Chris) Darwell, Ciara (Brandon Knoblock) Morgan; grandchildren, Cash, Elise, Maddy, Caiden, Wynn, Nola, River and Daisy; his siblings, Dale (Bernadette) Ninnemann, Joanne (Arnie) Fredrick; Aunt Beverly Zahrt; his faithful dog, Bell; and many other close friends and family.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. (Noon) on Friday, August 8, 2025 at St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church, 238537 Del Rio Road, Wausau. Rev. Russell Kampfer will officiate. Burial will be in Mechanic’s Ridge Cemetery. Visitation will be on Thursday from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau and again on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until time of services at the church.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com