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James Dorschner Obituary
Oshkosh - James M. "Jim" Dorschner, age 55, of Oshkosh, died on Wednesday, August 21 at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center in Neenah. He was born on May 28, 1964 in Neenah, a son of Raymond and Donna Dorschner. On July 6, 1991 he married Lisa Grunloh at St. Mary Catholic Church in Menasha. Jim was a music teacher and band director at Oshkosh North High School. He also taught at Merrill Middle School in Oshkosh, Ripon High School, and St. Mary Catholic Schools in Menasha, where he taught grades Kindergarten through 12. Jim's passion was music and sharing it with others. For many years, he played in his father's polka band, "The Rainbow Valley Dutchmen," the Green Bay Packers tailgate band, and the Appleton City Band. He was a freelance musician in several groups including Wisconsin Symphonic Winds, Dorf Kapelle, brass quintets, and multiple performing groups of polka, dixieland, and jazz. He was a member of Most Blessed Sacrament Parish where he was a religious education teacher and was
involved with music ministry by playing brass instruments. He was a loving, devoted husband and father, and enjoyed telling Dad jokes to his beloved four children. He enjoyed cooking, household projects, reading, spending time with the family pets, and driving his family around in his 1958 Chevy Biscayne.
He is survived by his wife Lisa, his four children Gloria, Raymond, John, Mary, his mother Donna, his two brothers Randy (Shirley) Dorschner, Steve (Carrie) Dorschner, his in-laws James (Diane) Grunloh and Shirley Grunloh, as well as nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his father, and infant son Louis Andrew, three infant siblings, Anne, Debra, and Richard, and his grandparents.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday August 28, 2019 at 1 p.m. at Most Blessed Sacrament-St. Mary Site with Rev. Jerry Pastors officiating. Visitation will be held on Tuesday August 27, 2019 from 4-7 p.m. at the church with a prayer service at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue on Wednesday at the church two hours prior to the funeral. Burial will follow at Calvary Catholic Cemetery.
A memorial has been established.
The family would like to thank all who have helped them during this difficult time, especially the healthcare professionals at ThedaCare Medical Center who cared for Jim. The family would also like to thank all of Jim and Lisa's beloved friends, colleagues, and the parishioners of Most Blessed Sacrament Parish for their love and support.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Dorschner
Sponsored by the Appleton Post-Crescent.
Frank Melmer
August 19, 2023
A good friend, a great guy and an outstanding musician
Frank Melmer
August 19, 2022
A great guy, musician and above all a good friend one of a kind.
Frank Melmer
August 19, 2020
Jim was one of kind and was taken from us way too soon.
Mark Miller
September 14, 2019
Jim and I went to St. Mary's High School together, where he told us "dad jokes" and drove us around in his '58 Chevy Biscayne, so i guess some things never change. My first thought was why does God always take the good ones first. When I think of all the lives he touched and all the joy he spread through his teaching and his music, then we have truly lost a good one. My sincerest condolences to his family and friends. It is with this yearbook photo that I will remember him best.
Sue Hoehne-Bate
August 30, 2019
So sorry to hear about Jim's passing. He was a very kind and caring person and also a great musician. I played in several groups with him over the years and later worked with him. Jim always played with such obvious joy. My sympathy to his family. Sue Hoehne-Bate
Barb/Tom Bartz
August 29, 2019
Jim was an outstanding musician and an even more outstanding individual. He influenced so many students through the years. My family remembers him from St Mary Central and his years there. Our sympathy to his s family, his parish, and his school. The Bartz's
Amy Hayden
August 28, 2019
My sincere condolences to Jims family. With his passing, the world lost a rare soul. Exuberance for life , kindness, decency, and a genuine interest in helping young people develop and experience the joy of music were among his many fine attributes. He was the king of the back row during his many years playing tuba with the Rainbow Valley Dutchmen, displaying unmatched virtuosity and complete command of the old time form of music. He was the perfect fit for that magnificent band, and the band was at its very best when he was driving the beat and producing the flourishes that perfected the RVD sound.
Fr. Joe Mattern
August 28, 2019
Our beloved "Music Man" is gone, but certainly not his spiritual presence. Just like the Risen Christ, Jim remains with us. He has left his mark, and much more. I was unable to attend the funeral because of the Mass that we celebrated at the Waupun Correctional with me and the inmates. I spoke about Jim in the homily, and our collective prayer centered more on thanksgiving for his wonderful life rather than sorrow for his passing. "JIM LIVES!"
From Fr. Joe Mattern at the Casa Esther Catholic Worker House in Omro
Willcome
August 28, 2019
Our deepest sympathy to the Dorschner Family.
Jim was a memerable teacher and mentor.
May he rest in peace.
Adam and Hannah Willcome
August 28, 2019
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Ike Spangenberg
August 28, 2019
My condolences to the family of Jim Dorschner, whom I have known for so long a time. I was unable to attend the service this day but I send a message of condolence to Lisa and family. Jim's passing has left a huge hole in the music world what with all of his activities and involvement in so many organizations and events and especially the musical ones. We will miss him greatly and if I personally can be of any assistance please call upon me. God Bless.
Laurie Krueger
August 28, 2019
My deepest sympathy to you Lisa and the whole Dorschner family. My heart aches for you. Such a wonderful person gone way too soon.
Susan Huelsbeck-Seekirchner
August 28, 2019
Sending love and deepest sympathies to the Dorschner family
August 27, 2019
Our deepest sympathy is for the family of jim
We will miss him very much
With much love
The Ferguson and Flanagan Family
Shelley & Dcn. John Ingala
August 27, 2019
Lisa and Family,
Our hearts of truly sadden by the sudden and untimely death of Jim. Shelley and I are continually praying for all of your family and friends who are suffering at the loss of Jim. We send our heartfelt prayers for each of you to eventually feel the peace, hope and trust that only comes with faith in the unconditional love of the Holy Trinity ... Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We know that your faith is strong, please know that Jim will be forever in our hearts.
In Christ,
Fred Poppe
August 27, 2019
Deepest and heartfelt condolences to the entire Dorschner family. May God give you all the strength to carry on through such a difficult time.
Had the pleasure to play with Jim many times in the Appleton City Band. Absolute best tune EVER was the Clarinet Polka w/Jim, obviously, on Tuba!
August 27, 2019
"The community of St. Mary Catholic High School sends its thoughts and prayers to the loved ones of James Dorschner, a member of the class of 1982. May he rest in peace."
Sue Peters
Alumni Relations Coordinator
St. Mary Catholic Schools
Susan Peotter
August 27, 2019
Lisa and family,
My heart goes out to all of you at this time. May the joy that Jim brought to all of you stay with you forever. You have an angel to watch over your entire family. You will be in my prayers. My sincere condolences.
Lisa Anderson
August 26, 2019
I never knew Jim without a smile on his face, then again I only knew him in the world of music. He's going to be greatly missed.
Praying for the family in these difficult times.
David Vander Linden
August 26, 2019
The Oshkosh Area Humane Society would like to extend its condolences to Lisa, John, Gloria, Ray, Mary, and the entire family of Jim. We are sorry for your huge loss.
Jim was an inspiration to his family, his community, his friends, Oshkosh North, and all his students through the years.
We also thank you for your support, and your cat adoptions at the Humane Society.
Our sympathy to you at this difficult time.
August 26, 2019
My prayers and sympathy are extended to you, Lisa, and your family in the passing of Jim.
It was a pleasure to meet you , and your family even under the circumstances...
May God be with you.......
Maureen Winter
(volunteer at Theda Care ICU)
August 26, 2019
Our deepest sympathies from the Lautenschlager family.
Our children both had Mr. D for band, & we often discussed how he was their favorite teacher, long after they were not even in his classes, & even after they had graduated.
He truly loved all his band kids & their families, & let our children show their unique music preferences in band class, & for that we are truly thankful to have known him.
Frank Melmer
August 26, 2019
So sad to hear of Jim's untimely passing. Having been associated with him thru the Dorschner band it was a pleasure knowing him as a person. He was a good friend a great musician and I'm sure a wonderful father and husband.
My condelences
Frank Melmer
August 26, 2019
My Dearest Sympathies to the Dorschner Family.
As Principal at St John / St Mary in Menasha, I knew Jim to be a wonderful student , musician and overall good person.
May all the good that Jim has done in his life reflect through his children.
God's Blessings ~
Agnes R Miller.
Larry Muehrer
August 26, 2019
God Bless your whole family. Jim was a dedicated man, sincere, faithful, and talented. May he rest in peace as he takes his place in Heaven.
Ted Pierce
August 25, 2019
My sincerest sympathy to the entire Dorschner family in Jim's passing. I first got to know Jim as a member of the Rainbow Valley Dutchmen. He was playing banjo at the time and transitioning to tuba. I recall an engagement at the now long gone Cinderella Ballroom in Appleton where Ray, Randy, Jim and possibly Steve all played tuba together in harmony. Music was always a family thing with the
Dorschners and the band always played superbly. It was a sensory treat.
Despite his prodigious talent, Jim was always humble, charming, warm and friendly. You never felt like a stranger in his presence. I never saw him without a smile on his face. At our last Packer band gig together this past December, he taught me how to keep my valves from freezing in the cold.
Jim's personality and talent I am sure made him a favorite with his students.
We all have been blessed to have had him in our lives and we look forward to that blessed reunion in heaven for all who trust in Christ as their Saviour. May our Father bless and keep all Jim's family through the difficult days ahead and all the years to come and wipe away their tears. Jim, you will never be forgotten.
August 25, 2019
From everyone associated with the Czech Plus Band of Cedar Rapids Iowa, our sincere condolences to Jim's family and all those who loved him and those he loved. He brought fun and humor to everything he did. We were honored to follow Ray Doerschner and the Rainbow Valley Dutchmen once in Minnesota. We'll not forget Jim. Very sorry for yours, and everyones loss.
Jerry Spanbauer
August 25, 2019
I am still trying to wrap my head around this and my heart goes out to Lisa, the family, and the thousands of former students who were fortunate enough to have Jim lead them. My daughter was not even a band student, but was touched by Jim's kindness and humor during her hours in the music room as an orchestra and choir student. I saw his dedication as a husband and parent firsthand as a neighbor for several years. I witnessed that same passion as an educator at the many music functions I have attended as a parent. His heart was in everything he did and his humor and gentle spirit were inspiring to everyone. He will be greatly missed but never forgotten.
Steve Verhoeven
August 25, 2019
Prayers and comforting thoughts are extended to the entire Dorchner family concerning Jim's passing!
I felt honored and humbled to have subbed for Jim's classes at Oshkosh North, experiencing both his talents and kindness over the years.
Jim was both a good and decent man who loved his family and the students he taught. His life's example provides a positive model we should all aspire to share with one another. May the Lord bless and keep him. May his dear family and all those who knew, Loved and cared for him, find comfort realizing that we were both privileged and honored that he crossed our paths. He truly will be missed and cherished forever!
Jerry & Mary Burke
August 25, 2019
Jim,...you were such an inspiration to SO MANY, which included your musical talents, teaching abilities, downright friendliness, and most of all as a good decent family man. God took you far too soon, which truly saddens Mary and me for Lisa, your children and all of your students. Rest assured, you will be long remembered for everything you gave and did, always with a touch of personal caring, and your unmatched sense of humor. God is lucky to have you in his band.
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