James A. “Jim” Thielke (72) of Green Bay passed away on May 14th,
2021 after a sudden cardiac event.
Jim was born in Green Bay on September 22, 1948 to William J.
Thielke and Margaret (Bell) Thielke. As one of five brothers, he was a natural standout on the Preble High wrestling team, fixed cars, and spent time as a choir boy--a fact that gave everyone who knew him later in life a good chuckle.
Jim served his country in Vietnam from 1969-1970 as a member
of the Army’s Alpha Company 1/46 196th Infantry Brigade. The friendships he made during that time were the most meaningful and longest lasting of his life. His unit was bonded from that shared experience in a way that could not be replicated in the “real world”. Jim was awarded many medals for his service, including the Bronze Star for heroism.
After returning from the war, Jim married and welcomed two daughtersinto the world. He spent their growing up years attending their games, concerts, and activities, and regaling them and their friends with wild...