James Damrau, Sr.'s Obituary
James W. Damrau, Sr.
Waupaca, WI
Age 77 – died on Wednesday, December 23, 2009 at Bethany Home in Waupaca, WI. He was born on March 6, 1932 in Nelsonville, WI, the son of Walter and Effie (Mitchelltree) Damrau. He married Sally Werner on October 26, 1957 at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Stevens Point, WI.
James is survived by his wife; Sally, two daughters; Julie Thiele of Plover, and Lisa (Chris) Nielsen of Waupaca, son; James W. (Jane) Damrau, Jr of Waupaca, grandchildren; Kellie Thiele, Nicole, Christian, and Bradley Nielsen, Megan and Ryan Damrau, and Jennifer and Jared Dombrowski, brother; Gary (Bev) Damrau of Wisconsin Rapids, and sister; Nancy (Bill) Horvath of Stevens Point. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, a son-in-law; Dave Thiele, and sister and brother-in-law; Judy and Ron Bingham.
Jim was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Waupaca. He had served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War, serving on the Admiral’s Staff of the USS Newport News, USS Salem, USS Columbus, USS Orion, and the USS Northampton. After being discharged from the Navy he enrolled at UW-Stevens Point. Following his college years he started his truck driving career for his father with Golden Sands Transit. He next drove for Consolidated Freightways out of Chicago until he was transferred to Salt Lake City. Jim moved back to Waupaca in 1977 and drove for Dushek Trucking of Waupaca for a couple of years. In 1979 he started Chain-O-Lakes Express in Waupaca and the business continues on with his son now operating the business. Jim was a former member of the Elks Club and the Lions Club in Stevens Point. He had also been a member of one of the American Legion Posts in Stevens Point. Jim had many interests including hunting, fishing, camping, traveling, and bowling. He and Sally also enjoyed Polka Dancing.
A memorial service will be held at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Waupaca on Monday, December 28, 2009 at 11:00 AM, with Reverend Dr. Charles Tews, officiating. Interment will be in the Greenwood Cemetery in Amherst, WI. A visitation will be held at the Holly Funeral Home in Waupaca on Sunday from 4:00 – 7:00 PM, and again on Monday morning from 10:00 – 11:00 AM at the church. In lieu of flowers memorials can be directed to the Salvation Army, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in Memphis, TN, or to Trinity Lutheran Church of Waupaca in the name of James W. Damrau, Sr. The Holly Funeral Home of Waupaca is assisting the family with arrangements.
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