Jim Kranzusch passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, August 14, 2022 at the age of 83. He was born May 23, 1939. He was the only child of Elmer and Marcella (Weber) Kransuch. His grandmother, Magdaline Weber, and great aunt, Lane Weber, lived with them in the family home and were also nurturing influences during his growing years. Jim and Barb celebrated 60 years of marriage this year. They were proud of the family they raised together. Together they modeled dedication and hard work, and taught their children and grandchildren the importance of building memories and cherishing good times.

Jim attended St. Joe's Grade School and graduated from Appleton High School. After enrolling at St. Norbert College for two years, he was called back to his father's business, Elmer Kranzusch Painting and Decorating, Incorporated. He worked side by side with his father and became president of the company in 1977. During his career, Jim served as president of the Fox Valley Painting and

Decorating Contractors Association. He received commendation for 21 years of service to the

Wisconsin Apprenticeship System as a member and secretary of the Appleton-Oshkosh Area Painters Joint Apprenticeship Committee. He was a union member, a member of the National Federation of Independent Business, and a lifelong Elks Club member.

If you were to take a ride around the Fox Valley with him, Jim would point out each business, hotel, hospital, school, office, church, bank, and car dealership he worked on over the years. By day, Jim worked alongside his crew and by night, he poured over every detail in each blueprint, bid, and contract. His attention to detail was impeccable and his expertise in hanging wallpaper was unmatched. He valued his workers and the business relationships he built in the community. Jim was particularly proud of the work he did on the Paper Valley Hotel when it was built and the lasting relationship he developed with the Bergstrom family. He worked on numerous projects with them well into retirement.

From playing poker to growing tomatoes, Jim mastered whatever he attempted. He was quiet but had a big sense of humor. Jim was a great storyteller, always ending his stories with a grin that broke into laughter. The stories he told came from his many adventures. He loved golfing, car races, traveling, hunting, and cheering for the Badgers. His favorite part of the Badger experience was watching the UW Marching Band. He never left before the Fifth Quarter and was even known to sneak onto the field right along-side the band when they played in Pasadena.

Jim was a loyal friend and cared deeply for the people in his life. He kept track of every birthday, anniversary, and significant event on a huge calendar in his office. He made it a habit to call his friends and relatives to wish them happy birthday, often accompanied in song by a chorus of any kids or grandkids he could recruit.

Jim is survived by his wife Barb (Running) Kranzusch; three children: Gary (Gena) Kranzusch, Gregg (Corrie) Kranzusch, and Cathy (Pat) Schwanke; nine grandchildren: Jeremy Kranzusch, Amanda Kranzusch, Nick Kranzusch, Larissa (Mike) Grunwald, Sam Kranzusch, Kyle Kranzusch, Emily (Ross) Thomas, Maggie (Alex) Velicer, and Mike Schwanke (Beth Martin); and eleven great-grandchildren: Eli, Gemma, Owen, Vanna, Wesley, Angel, Adrian, August, Abe, Luke, and Norah.

A celebration of life for Jim will be held on Thursday, August 18, 2022 at Brettschneider Trettin-Nickel Funeral Chapel in Appleton. Visitation will begin at 9:00 am followed by a prayer service at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund to local charities will be established in Jim's name.