James J. Wanek

James J. Wanek ("Jim"), 90, Allouez passed away peacefully on January 28, 2024. He was born January 18, 1934 in Brown County to the late Joseph and Catherine Wanek. Jim attended Bungalow School in New Denmark, WI and graduated from the University of Wisconsin- Superior in 1965. He married Patricia R. (Maccoux) Wanek ("Pat") on August 23, 1958 in Rosiere, WI at St. Hubert's Catholic Church. He served in the United States Marine Corps from 1954-56. Jim worked as an insurance agent for New York Life Insurance Company for over 50 years and was a member of the Wisconsin State Association of Life Underwriters, serving in many capacities including President and National Committeeman. He received the A. Jack Nussbaum Distinguished Service Award for his years of distinguished service to the organization and to the industry. Jim also was a long time member of the Green Bay West Lions Club serving in many capacities including President. He received the Melvin Jones award for community service. Jim enjoyed hunting and going up to the family cabin in Marinette County. He enjoyed traveling with his wife and spending time with his family and friends. He also was a loving husband, father, and grandfather.
He will be deeply missed by his four children: Carol (Beth) Wanek, Robert Wanek, Linda (Steven) Tabaska and Thomas (Lisa) Wanek; eight grandchildren: Jessica De Villers, Carey De Villers, Brandon (Kaelyn) Tabaska, Brittany (Shawn) Umentum, Nichole (Rishen) Tabaska, Colin (Janelle) Wanek, Michelle (Cameron) Tabaska, and Christopher (Maren) Tabaska; Brother-in-law Gary (Sandy) Maccoux; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Jim was preceded in death by his wife Patricia Wanek; daughter Diane De Villers; parents and parents-in-laws; brother and sister-in-law Norbert (Martha) Wanek; sister Mary Wanek; brother-in-law Cletus Maccoux; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Vincent (Ella) Maccoux sister-in-law Rita Mae Maccoux; and nephews Aaron Wanek and John Maccoux.
Friends may call Thursday, February 1, 2024 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Cotter Funeral Home, 860 N. Webster Ave., De Pere, where there will be a Parish Prayer Service at 6:30 p.m. Visitation will continue on Friday, February 2, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. until 10:45am at St. Matthew Catholic Church, 130 St. Matthew St., Allouez. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Friday, February 2, 2024, with Fr. Bob Kabat officiating. Interment will be in Allouez Catholic Cemetery. Online condolences may be expressed at www.cotterfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Wisconsin Lions Camp. 3834 County Road A, Rosholt, WI, 54473.
The family extends a special thank you to the staff at Allouez Parkside Village and Unity Hospice for their wonderful care and compassion.