Obituary: James H. “Jim” Gotzler

James H. “Jim” Gotzler, of Waukesha, died peacefully surrounded by his family on Saturday, Dec. 31, 2011, at the age of 82 years.

Jim was born in Calumet, MI, on Oct. 31, 1929, the son of the late James and Hildegard (nee Pruesener) Winquist. He married the love of his life, Anna Mae Schmitt, on Feb. 23, 1952. Jim was a member of Saint Joseph's Parish, Waukesha and a retired member of the Knights of Columbus. He was a lifelong fan of the Green Bay Packers and University of Wisconsin Badgers. Jim enjoyed relaxing with his wife and family at their cabin in northern Wisconsin. Jim’s greatest joy was spending time with his wife, children and extended family as they were most important to him.

Jim will be dearly missed by his best friend and wife, Ann; children, Karen (Jim Milner) Gotzler, Steven (Sermin Womack) Gotzler, John (Carla Heinz) Gotzler, Thomas (Mary Beth Armstrong) Gotzler, Donna (Jason) Goetze, Michael (Sherry Huhn) Gotzler, and Amy Gotzler; grandchildren, Emma, Alexis, Daniel (Jackie Szajna), Jessica, Timothy, Samantha, Matthew, Melissa (Daniel Zak), Kimberly, Anna, Lauren, Ella, Jane, and Claudia; great-grandchildren, Leeland, Abigail, Kylie, Tyler, Amanda, Scarlet and Hope. Jim is further survived by other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, and step-father, Joseph Gotzler.

The visitation for Jim was held Wednesday. The Reverend William Kohler officiated. In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to Saint Joseph's Medical and Dental Clinic, 826 N. East Avenue, Waukesha, WI 53186.

Jim’s family would like to send many thanks to the staff of Waukesha Memorial Hospital, Avalon Square, Assist at Home and Vitas Hospice Care, for their kind and gentle care of Jim.

is serving the family. For more information, please visit WaukeshasFuneralHome.com or call the funeral home at 262-542-6609.