Jim Lauerman of Menominee, MI, passed away on Friday, May 5, 2017, at the age of 84.
He was born on January 20, 1933, in Waterloo, Iowa, to Raymond M. and Neva Lange Lauerman. Jim grew up in Marinette and attended Lourdes Catholic School. He graduated in 1952 from Phillips Exeter Academy, Exeter, New Hampshire, and in 1956 from Georgetown University, School of Foreign Service, Washington D.C. Jim served his country honorably as a Captain in the US Air Force. He was a navigator with the 58th Fighter Interceptor Squadron. Jim married the former Maureen Pfankuch on August 18, 1956, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Marinette, WI. Jim was a Manager/Buyer for Lauerman Bros. Department Store, as well as a member of the Board of Directors and the Secretary. In addition, he was owner and board member of Marble Arms in Gladstone, MI. He also served as a board member at First of American Bank, Little River Country Club, and was a past President of TwiCees. Jim is a former member of the Menominee Rotary Club and the Marinette Kiwanis Club. He was a 59 year member of the Marinette Elks Club Lodge 1313. Jim was an avid hunter and fisherman and he enjoyed the good times in the woods with his sons, grandsons and the guys at camp. He enjoyed many special times with family and friends; golfing, boating, card playing and traveling.
Through thick and thin, Jim was a huge Chicago Bears and Chicago Cubs fan. Go Bears! Go Cubbies!
Jim was a loving husband, dad, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle and friend. He is survived by his family: Wife: Maureen Lauerman, Daughters: Kim Cooney(dec. Stephen), Shawn Lauerman (Bret Haley), Michelle Lauerman, Katia de Roche Avillez (Antonio) AFS student from Brazil, Son: Craig Lauerman (Nickie), Brother: Raymond (Nibs) Lauerman (Jane), Grandchildren: Brittany Cooney Jenks (Brandon), Ryan Cooney (Wendy), Erin Cooney Johnston (Ben), Lauren Cooney, Briggs Haley, Quinn Haley (Erica), Bailey Olsen, Dalton Lauerman, Kaylee and Chris Johnson.
Great Grandchildren: Everleigh, Kenadie and Morgan Jenks and Branden Roecker, Alexandra and Madelynne Cooney, Anna and Allie Johnston. Grand Dogs: Gracie and Ozzie.
In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his son, James Lange Lauerman, Jr. and son-in-law, Stephen Cooney.
Funeral Arrangements:
Holy Family Parish (Lourdes)
2735 Taylor Street
Marinette, WI 54143
Simply Cremation is assisting the family.
Friends may visit with the family at the church on Saturday, May 13, 2017, from 9:00 to 11:00 am CDT, followed by the funeral service Mass at 11:00 am. Burial will be in Forest Home Cemetery, Marinette, WI.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution may be made to the James Lange Lauerman, Jr. Memorial Scholarship, in memory of his son.
A special thanks to Susie Sutherland, R.N., Prevea and Linda Kamp, R.N., DeVita for their care and support.