James "Jim" Seidel

James E. Seidel, 75, of Wausau, WI, passed away Thursday, December 9, 2021, at Aspirus Hospital in Wausau, WI. Jim died surrounded by his loved ones who, along with friends and family, will continue to honor his love of life.

Jim was born January 29, 1946, in Wausau, WI, to the late Pastor Ervin and Lena Seidel. On June 14, 1985, he married Kathy Greenhalgh. They enjoyed 36 years of marriage filled with laughter and love.

He graduated from Wausau High School in 1964 and Wartburg College, Waverly, IA, in 1968. From 1969 to 1971 he served as an Army Medic in Stuttgart, Germany. Jim spent the early years of his career as a Social Worker for the Marathon Department of Social Services. He was proud to have been an integral part of bringing Planned Parenthood to Wausau. In his career's second act, he served as District Court Administrator for Wisconsin's Ninth District. Jim's dedication to the court system reflected his sense of fairness and civic duty. Jim served on the Board of Wausau's Police and Fire Commission, was a member of the Breakfast Optimist Club, volunteered on numerous church and community committees.

A defined part of Jim's life was dedication to St. Stephen Lutheran Church. As a lifelong member he sang with the choir, served as Church Council President, taught Sunday School and taught Confirmation classes, served as a Eucharistic Minister for homebound members, and relished his favorite role as "Head Groundskeeper." He enjoyed traveling, golfing, telling bad jokes, manicuring his lawn, and all-around Christian Fellowship.

Jim is survived by his wife Kathy, daughter Kim (Paul) Haiker, Minneapolis, grandchildren, Hudson and Vallory Haiker, sister Liz (Gary) Swedberg, Plymouth, MN, sister Judy Munger, Elkhourn, NE, brother Tom (Elena) Seidel, Poway, CA, brother-in-law Mike Greenhalgh, Madison, WI, sister-in-law Ellen Shattuck, Ripon, WI, brother-in-law Mark (Amy) Greenhalgh, Madison, WI, sister-in-law Mary (Jim) Gage, Waterloo, WI, along with nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by John Munger, Mary Greenhalgh, and Bob Shattuck.

A memorial service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, December 13, 2021, at St. Stephen Lutheran Church. A visitation will be held at St. Stephen prior to the service from 10:00 to 12:00. Pastor Gary Froseth will officiate. Luncheon and Christian Fellowship to follow at BB Jacks. For those that are unable to attend the service, livestream of the service will be available on brainardfuneral.com.

Arrangements by Brainard Funeral Home, 522 Adams Street, Wausau, WI 54403 (brainardfuneral.com). In appreciation of Jim's service to the church, memorials may be directed to St. Stephens Lutheran Church, 512 McClellan Street, Wausau, WI 54403.

The family requests that all attendees wear a mask which is in keeping with COVID protocols.