James J. Gadke, 89, formerly of Boyd, passed away on Friday, January 20, 2023 at Oakbrook Nursing and Rehab center-Thorp with his family by his side. He was born on June 6, 1933 at Victory Memorial Hospital-Stanley to the late Catherine (Licht) and Ray Gadke, SR. Jim grew up in the town of Worden. He served in the Army National Guard for six years. Jim married Evelyn Nayes at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church-Boyd on June 28, 1955. He worked at the Stanley Corp., Lotz Corp, and Spectrum Furniture until his retirement in 2008.
Jim enjoyed hunting and fishing with his brothers, his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Jim loved the outdoors and enjoyed gardening in his enormous gardens. He was famous for his grilled chicken over a camp fire. Woodworking was one of his many talents where he so generously would share his work with others. He loved to go polka dancing with his friend Audrey. Mostly, he enjoyed spending time with family.
Jim is survived by his children, James (Jodi) of Holcombe, Greg (Dana) of Chippewa Falls, Wayne (Karen) of Boyd, Tom (Arleen) of Chippewa Falls, Ronald (Penny) of Boyd, Mary (David) Smith of Boyd, Gerry (Christine) of Menomonie, Cheryl (Mel) Strassburg of Boyd and Mike (Mindy) of Eau Claire, 22 grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren and one brother, Ray (Paula) Gadke, JR of Platteville. He is preceded in death by his wife Evelyn, his parents, brothers, William and Donald “Ponch” and sisters, Mary Kubish, Vera Drost, Shirley Copenhaver and Barbara Emert.
A Memorial Service will be at 4:30 PM on Friday, January 27, 2023 at the Plombon Funeral Home-Stanley. Visitation will be from 1:30 PM until time of service on Friday. Inurnment will take place in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery-Boyd in the spring.
