James Punke, 79, of the Town of Meeme died peacefully Friday morning July 4, 2025 at his home. He was born on October 7, 1945 in Stratford, WI son of the late John and Bernice (Alther) Punke. Jim graduated from Stratford High School in 1963.

On November 1, 1965 he enlisted in the US Army. He served for three years until October 31, 1968. During his service he worked as a mechanic in the motorpool. He was stationed for 2 years in Ausberg, Germany. On July 25,1970 he was united in marriage to Carol Pospychalla in Stratford, WI. Jim was a dedicated employee of Kohler Company in the Engine Division from December 13, 1968 until January of 2008 when he retired. During those years he helped local farmers with field work during the summer months. After retirement he kept busy doing odd jobs and most recently worked at the Town of Meeme recycling center.

Jim was a member of the St. Nazianz American Legion and on October 19, 2022 had the priviledge of taking the Honor Flight to Washington DC. He was also a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Kiel. In his free time he enjoyed working on old cars and tractors. He always enjoyed his annual trips to Iola for the car show and swap meet. His trip to Jamaica was very memorable and he especially liked to go fishing and camping. During the last years he liked watching MASH, Gunsmoke and other old westerns on TV.

Survivors include his loving wife, Carol, daughter; Tammy Hanlon, School Hill, sons; Tom Punke, Kiel, Timothy (Nicole) Punke, Sheboygan, he was know as Papa to his grandchildren; Ashley Hanlon, Cassandra Siech, Madison Punke, Ethan Punke, Kennedy Punke, Isaac Punke as well as his great grandchildren; Anthony, Connor, Benjamin and Emma. Jim is further survived by his brother; Leonard (Nancy) Punke, sisters; Dorothy Baumann, Elsie Punke, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; Steve Knetter, Linda Punke, Randy Pospychalla (Connie), Gary Pospychalla, Sheri (Art) King along with nieces, nephews other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, infant brother; Erwin, brothers; Hilbert, Raymond, Kenneth, sister; Betty Knetter, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; Ronald and Jim Pospychalla, Judy (Gene) Bentley, Karen and Joyce Pospychalla.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00pm on Saturday July 12, 2025 at Trinity Lutheran Church (387 Cemetery Rd. Kiel) Private burial will take place at a later date. A time of visitation will take place in church on Saturday from 12:00pm until 1:45pm. Military Honors will take place at the church following services.

Jim's family would like to thank the ALS team at the VA Medical Center in Milwaukee as well as his caregiver Lisa Costilla for all their help.