August 4, 2017 at 4:43 p.m.
James "Jim" R. Trask
James "Jim" R. Trask
Jim was raised in Massachusetts and shortly after graduation from high school he joined the U.S. Army. In 1962, he married Shirley Fay in Greenfield, Mass. and Shirley joined Jim in his deployment to Germany where their first daughter was born. Following his honorable discharge in 1964, the family resided in Massachusetts where Jim began his career as a draftsman and then a sales representative for Lodding Engineering which developed and produced products used in the paper manufacturing industry. Jim was given the Midwest sales territory for the company and he and his family moved to Weston in 1977. Jim retired from the company in 2004.
In 1995, Jim and Shirley moved to Squash Lake near Rhinelander and in retirement split time between the lake and Arizona. Jim loved his time in Arizona and more recently his return north would take place a little later each year. Jim and Shirley enjoyed traveling, including a motorhome trip to Alaska and cruises including a trip to South America in 2016. In earlier years, the entire family ventured on trips throughout the country and have many fond memories of camping and family outings.
Jim was an accomplished woodworker and artist who produced many beautiful projects with intricate in-lay work that will be his legacy for many years to come. His woodshop was immaculate and a testimony to his organizational skills, attention to detail and commitment to his craft. Many family and friends will cherish the projects Jim shared with them. Jim also enjoyed golf, playing cards, fishing trips to Canada, and time spent with family and friends. He especially enjoyed attending and participating in the activities of his grandchildren.
Jim is survived by his wife of 55 years, Shirley Trask of Rhinelander; his three children, Michele (Vance) Blahnik of Eden Prairie, Minn., Jim (Cheryl) Trask of Rothschild, and Gayle (Mark) Knaack of Houston, Texas; eight grandchildren, Nevin, Brice, Haley, Jena, Dave, Josh, Jessie, and David; and two great-grandchildren, Harper and Sawyer. He is further survived by three sisters, Judy Trask of Georgia, JoJo (Howard) Beaudreau of Las Vegas, Nev., and Jennifer (Mark) Foley of Wrentham, Mass.; a brother, Jack (Elaine) Trask of Worcester, Mass.; stepsiblings, Janice and Russell; as well nieces, nephews, other family, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, June Johnson.
A memorial gathering will be planned for a future date in Weston. Details will be announced when available.
Carlson Funeral Home of Rhinelander (715-369-1414) is assisting with arrangements and condolences to the family as well as service update inquiries may be directed at www.carlsonfh.com.
In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, the family suggests support of a memorial to be established in Jim's name and contributions may be forwarded in care of his family.
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