James "Jim" Horswill

James (Jim) Halbert Horswill  (85) passed away Saturday, April 3rd surrounded by the love of family in Mosinee, WI. Jim was born November 14th, 1935 to Halbert (Hallie) and Nellie (Nell) Horswill in Neillsville, WI and graduated from Neillsville High School.

In his early years, Jim was employed as a cheesemaker and was proud to have served in the National Guard for eight years while in Neillsville. Jim moved his family then to Wisconsin Rapids and was employed by Consolidated Papers for eight years. Then, him and Sharon, his wife, were provided the opportunity to take over his parent’s establishment, Horswill’s Restaurant and Bar, back in Neillsville. After four years of running the restaurant and bar Jim and Sharon realized it was unsustainable given Sharon’s multiple sclerosis. Looking for a more suitable lifestyle, Jim and Sharon then managed Clark County Campground at Lake Arbutus in Hatfield, WI. He spent his final 18 years of employment living in Mosinee, WI and working for his daughter and son-in-law’s family business, Blossoms and Bows and retired in 2000. It was then that he enjoyed the summers in Tomahawk, WI at their home on Lake Alice and wintered in AZ.

Jim was a hardworking man who was incredibly handy and his love language was fixing things for others. In Mesa, AZ he was the community handyman and could often be found completing projects and lending a helping hand to those around him. He was the ultimate host and always opened his (and Sharon’s) home for Packer parties. Jim was a family man who will be dearly missed by all who loved him.

He was preceded in death by his high school sweetheart and loving wife of 65 years, Sharon Horswill,his parents Halbert and Nell Horswill, his brother Donald Horswill, his in-laws, Elery and Ruth Moberg, and son-in-law, Steve Prewitt. He is survived by his daughters Charmaine (Sugar) Prewitt, Mosinee, and Candy (Joe) Gorka, Mosinee; his granddaughters Erin (Bill) Korbisch, Rothschild, Tina (Albie) Kramer, Mosinee, Tanya (Courtney) White, Oak Park, IL and Lindsey Gorka, Stratford; and, his 7 great-grandchildren, Allen, Hallie, Aidan, Lanai, Ellie, Steven and Devin.

The family would like to thank Jim’s absolutely wonderful friends in AZ who lovingly and regularly checked in on Jim while he was battling cancer.  He was fortunate to have them close at hand and ready to help in any way possible. We also want to acknowledge both teams of oncology doctors and staff in AZ and WI who showed compassion, concern and care for Jim and our family during his final months, in particular.

Services will be held on Wednesday, May 19th at the Mosinee United Methodist Church (MUMC), 607 13th Street, Mosinee, WI. The family will receive friends for visitation at 9 AM. A Masonic service will be held at 11am followed with a Christian Celebration of Life.  Pastor Gail Ray from MUMC will officiate the Christian Memorial Service. Masks will be required for all those in attendance.