James "Jimmy" Holzschuh, 81, of Wausau, died Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2009, under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services at Aspirus Wausau Hospital after a long illness.

He was born Oct. 1, 1928, in Marshfield, to the late Christian and Aurelia (Eckes) Holzschuh. Jim graduated from the former Wausau High School in 1946. He then served in the U.S. Army at Fort Sheridan. He married Diane M. Didelot on Oct. 27, 1973, at St. Mary Catholic Church, Rhinelander.

Jim spent his earlier years as a salesman for Radandt Furniture and later as a car salesman for Beilke and Camp Motors. He then was employed as a salesman at Green Bay Packaging until retiring in May 1984.

Jim belonged to Holy Name of Jesus Parish most of his life. He was a lifetime member of the Wausau Elks Lodge No. 248, American Legion Montgomery-Plant Post No. 10, and the Catholic Foresters. Jim and Diane built a log home in Rhinelander and enjoyed it for 13 years. Jim loved being there and enjoyed the beauty of the northwoods, as well as sharing it with friends and family. He was an avid fisherman and never missed a chance at taking the boat out. Jim was an antique auto collector, too. He and Diane belonged to the Northern Lakes Region and the Wausau Antique Auto Club. Jim felt like a kid again with the wind blowing through his hair while driving his favorite 1969 Cadillac convertible.

He was the love of Diane's life and will be sadly missed by all who loved him.

Survivors include his wife, Diane of Wausau; two nephews, Mark (Gwen) Varekois of Rockford, Mich., and their children, Ashley and A.J., Patrick Varekois of Verona; a niece, Jean (Terry) Wright of Golden Valley, Minn.; a sister-in-law, Bonnie (Marty) Varekois of Kasson, Minn.; and many cousins and lifelong friends.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 16, 2009, at Holy Name of Jesus Parish, Wausau. The Rev. Gerald Pehler, OFM Cap., will officiate. Burial will be at 2:30 p.m. Monday in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Marshfield. Visitation will be from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. today at Helke Funeral Home, Wausau, where there will be an Elks' memorial service at 7 p.m. Visitation will be again from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services Monday at the church.

You may sign our family guest book at helke.com.

Memorials may be directed to Holy Name of Jesus Parish, the Diabetic Foundation, or Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.