James H. Goldapske

Jim Goldapske, age 89, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 1, 2023 at Silverstone Memory Care. He was born on September 8, 1933 to the late John and Lucille (Bingen) Goldapske in Fond du Lac, WI.

Jim was a member of the U.S. Army and proudly served during the Korean War.  He married the love of his life, Margaret “Jean” Schuh, on June 28, 1956 at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Kaukauna. Jim was employed at Badger Northland for over 45 years and then worked for the Town of Buchanan until his retirement in 2012. Jim loved spending time with his family; being a grandpa and great grandpa was one of his greatest joys in life.

As a proud father, loving grandfather, and devoted husband, Jim cherished family above all else. He always had a gentle, warm sincere way about him. He loved his family and friends and always took great interest in how everyone was doing. Jim was very unique in which he was extremely genuine and compassionate, and also had a great sense of humor, often teasing others around him. Helping others was important to Jim throughout his life.

Jim is survived by his children: Jeff (Lynn) and children: Kari (Justin) Krueger and Kali (Eddie) Malis, Brad (Laura Walker) and children: Nicole (Jordan) Ward and Erica (James) Vandehei and their mother Lori; Connie (George) Alft and children: Adam Alft and Travis (Arika) Alft, and Cindy (Jim) Kraeger and children: Trevor (Angell) Kraeger, Elyssa (Tony) Treu, Adam Kraeger, Drew (Chad) Kraeger, and Austin (Lisa) Kraeger; 11 great grandchildren; and one sister, Sally (Denny) Wickesberg.

In addition to his parents, Jim is preceded in death by his loving wife, Jean; his son, Jimmy; and his sisters: Mary Ann Goldapske and Doris (Bob) Verbeten.

A gathering to celebrate Jim’s life will be held on Saturday, September 9, 2023 at Verkuilen-Van Deurzen Family Funeral Home, 2401 Fieldcrest Drive, Kaukauna from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. with full military honors. For online condolences, please visit www.verkuilenfh.com.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Silverstone Memory Care as well as Moments Hospice for the care they gave to our dad.  

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.