James T. Zickus Sr., 86, passed away at Hospice Alliance-Racine on Saturday, February 28, 2015. Jim was born in Racine on December 13, 1928, the son of the late Peter and Hedwig (nee: Lipinski) Zickus. After graduating from Park High School he served in the US Air Force from 1948 to 1952. Jim was stationed in England and participated in the Berlin Airlift. On August 19, 1950 he was united in holy matrimony to Elaine Wahlen in St Casimir's Catholic Church.
Jim was a tool and die maker by trade and spent 34 years at JI Case Company. When he retired in 1988 he was the Tool Room Foreman. His wife and his family always came first. Jim also had many interests during his lifetime, fishing, hunting, woodworking and picking mushrooms. He enjoyed 15 years at his cottage on the lake in Northern Wisconsin, and many more years traveling with friends. Jim was a member of the American Legion and the JI Case 20 year club.
He is survived by his loving wife Elaine; their children Peter (Jancy Kropp) Zickus, James (Karen) Zickus, Christine (Brigido) Palomo, and William (Kelly), grandchildren Erin (Eric), Adam (Ann), Laura (Steven), Timothy (Elizabeth), Joe (Melissa), Sarah (Frank), Michael, Daniel, Brenda (Todd), David, Casey, Alicia, and Andrew; great-grandchildren Aiden, Avery, Timothy, Camden, Kaleb, M'Kye, Jace, and Nala. He is further survived by his sisters-in-law Mary Ellen Zickus, Loretta Wahlen, and Mary Wahlen; as well as his dear friends Bill and Joann TeVrucht, John and Roseann Lease, Mildred Kral, and many other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his sister Helen (Wilfred) Patrick, his brothers Louis Zickus and Peter Zickus; and sister-in-law Maria Zickus.
Friends are invited to visit with the family in the funeral home on Thursday March 5, 2015 from 10-11 a.m. followed by his memorial service with Rev. Mark R. Jones officiating. The service will conclude with military honors. Memorials to the All Saints Cancer Center or Hospice Alliance have been suggested.
The Zickus family extends their sincere thanks to Dr. Gullberg and the staff at All Saints and Hospice Alliance for the special care that they gave to Jim and all of his family.
Linda Lenzke says
To Kelly and Bill Zickus and the Zickus family, we extend our heartfelt condolences on the passing of your beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend. With love and sympathy, Richard, Ethel and Linda Lenzke, Ron and Tami Reschke and family, and Cindy Castro. We are sending a donation on behalf of the memory of your loved one, James Zickus, to the All Saints Cancer Center.
Lisa Carlson says
Dear Elaine and family, my heart goes out to you during this difficult time. You and Jim have been the best next door neighbors we could have ever asked for. Jim always greeted us with a smile and I will forever remember him always telling Bill that he should be wearing a hat to protect the top of his head. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
David and Louise says
Pete- so sorry to hear about your dad. Our sympathy to you and your family.