James S. Meidl

James S. Meidl, 57 of Whitelaw, passed away March 22 after a lengthy battle with multiple illnesses.

James was born December 13, 1964 to Rudolph and Shirley (Green) Meidl. He graduated from Valders High School in 1983 and worked at the Brillion Iron Works for 30 years where he excelled as a certified ultrasonic technician. He was also employed at Aarrowcast Inc in Shawano.

Jim loved summers with family at the cottage on Pigeon Lake swimming, canoeing, and making bonfires. He also enjoyed spending time with the neighborhood friends he had for all his life.

As a lifelong resident of Whitelaw, Jim gave back to his community by being elected to the Whitelaw Village Board, serving as head of Whitelaw youth sports, and coaching youth baseball and softball teams. His commitment to youth sports was recognized by the Lakeshore All Sports Hall of Fame with an Achievement Award for Manitowoc County Youth Sports in 2005. Later on, he coached softball for 12 years at Reedsville High School, first as JV coach before becoming varsity coach. Along with baseball, Jim was a fan of many other sports, but especially golf, which led him to volunteer for the PGA and Ryder Cup Tournaments at Whistling Straits.

Jim was a noted gardener, dutifully carrying on his father's tradition of tending rose gardens at home in Whitelaw and at the lake. He also planted many other flowers, vegetable gardens, and fruit trees and reaped the rewards of his labor by canning much of his harvest.

Jim is survived by his mother Shirley; sister Julie (Randy) Bubolz of Reedsville; brother Eugene (Kim) of Manitowoc; twin brother Jon (Amy) of Wayside; special cousin Karen Rothe; and special cousin Lynette Rothe. Jim is further survived by the nieces and nephews he loved as his own children: Godson Michael (Abbey) Bubolz; Brad Bubolz; Godson Derek (Sara); Tracy (Dale) Mahloch; Corey; Jordan (Nick) Loose; Nicholas; and Alyssa. Additionally, Jim was adored by his great nephews and nieces: Henry Bubolz; Mackenzie; Carissa; Jackson Mahloch; Karlee Mahloch; Emily Mahloch; Carter Loose; and Owen Loose.

He was preceded in death by his father, Rudolph; and special uncle and aunt, Ed and Margie Rothe.

The family would like to extend their thanks to Barney and Dorothy McCulley for their generosity and kindness. They would also like to thank the quick and efficient response of the St. Nazianz First Responders, Valders Ambulance, and the Manitowoc County Sheriff's Office, specifically Officers Tadych and Schweigl. Gratitude would also like to be extended to the nurses on the ninth floor at St. Luke's Medical Center in Milwaukee for their compassionate care.

Visitation will be held at the Christianson & Deja Funeral Home in Valders on March 28 from 11AM to 2PM. A private family service will be held following the visitation. Guests are invited to attend a celebration of Jim's life at Seven Lakes. Food and drinks will be served from 4-6PM.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting www.pfefferfuneralhome.com. The Christianson and Deja Funeral Home, Valders is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.

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