James 'Jim' Pietila

MINOCQUA, Wis. - James (Jim) Pietila was born in Flint, Michigan, on Dec. 1, 1935, to Julius and Impie Susan (Stenfors) Pietila. He passed away peacefully on June 8, 2022, at the age of 86 at the Marshfield Medical Center from a massive stroke.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Kenneth Pietila; and his sister-in-law, Edna (Karrs) Pietila.

Jim is survived by his wife, Wanda; brother, Gerald "Bill" (Barb) Pietila; three children, 13 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Jim married Wanda Dembraski 57 years ago on Dec. 26, 1964, at Bethany Lutheran Church in Bruce Crossing, Michigan. Jim and Wanda raised three wonderful children in Minocqua - Susan of Boulder Junction, James of Kingsville, Maryland, and Jeffrey of North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Jim was blessed with 13 grandchildren, Ashley, Cortney, Macey, Sydney and Zoey (Sue and Greg Ziebart); Eliza, Tess, Noah, Mary and Caleb (Jim and Linda); and Avrey, Nina and Tanner (Jeff and Janine); and two great-grandchildren, Michael Charles "Cal" Hausman III (Ashley and Charley) and Sawyer Jayne Hansen (Cortney and Bobby).

Jim served in the U.S. Navy for four years from 1955-1959. He was assigned to the USS Staten Island, he traveled to both the North and South Poles, crossing the equator earning his Shellback "designation." Jim was very proud of his rapid rise through the ranks and as a young enlisted man becoming a slick arm first class radioman (RM1) prior to departing service.

Jim received his Bachelor of Science in forestry from Michigan Technology University in 1964. Jim was employed by the state of Wisconsin's Board of Commissioners Public Land, and retired after an amazing 40-year tenure.

Jim's best times were found spending family time with his children and grandchildren, playing catch, attending a sporting event, fishing, hunting and almost anything outdoors. One of his passions was a competitive game of horseshoes and was well known for his prowess in the pit. He was an active member of the Trinity Lutheran Church congregation in Minocqua, previously serving on the church council and ushering during regular services.

Funeral services will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Minocqua on June 15. Visitation will be at 10 a.m. with a service at 11 a.m. Military rites will be held after the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made, in memory of Jim, directly to the Trinity Lutheran School in Minocqua.

Online condolences may be shared at nimsgernfuneral.com.

Nimsgern Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family.