James “Jim” Henry Scholz

James (Jim) Henry Scholz was born in Milwaukee on July 25, 1937, to Julia (Liberski) and Richard Scholz. He passed away on August 22, 2024, in Rhinelander, at the age of 87 with his wife, Nancy, at his side.

He was raised in Rhinelander and married Kathleen (Kate) M. Igl on August 5, 1964, in Antigo. Jim started his career building houses and together with Kate raised four children: Brenda, Juliana (Julie), Stephen (Steve) and Mary. Jim retired from the mason union at age 60 to care for Kate until her death in 2000.

Jim and Nancy were married on September 3, 2005, and spent much of their retirement years gardening organically, homesteading, enjoying the outdoors, reading, and spending time with loved ones.

His lifelong love of storytelling and “Dad jokes” has entertained many generations of family and friends. He rarely met a person whom he did not greet with “good morning, good morning!” regardless of the time of day.

Jim’s Catholic faith was a constant in his life and was evident as he was quick to be generous. Throughout his life and into his retirement he volunteered at the church for a variety of activities. Jim faithfully attended mass, and this culminated in a pilgrimage to Medjugorje in Bosnia-Herzegovina with his wife, Nancy. Jim instilled a strong sense of family in his children which was celebrated every summer by spending time together at the cabin.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy Scholz, daughters, Brenda K. (Kurtis) Schroeder, and Juliana L. Wilhem, and son, Stephen J. (Sarah) Scholz, 11 grandchildren, Kristopher and Katelyn Schroeder, Jayden (Lydia), Jacey, Jordan,  and Josara Wilhem, Jagger (Madeline) and Merrick Scholz, and River, Hannah, and Cole Siegel who affectionally call him Dzia Dzia (Polish for Grandfather or “Old Man” depending on who you asked), sisters-in-law, Judy Scholz and Nancy Scholz, as well as numerous nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Julia and Richard Scholz, his brothers, Donald (Don) and George Scholz, his first wife, Kathleen M. (Igl) Scholz and his daughter, Mary H. Scholz.

The visitation for Jim will take place on Friday evening, August 30, 2024, at the Hildebrand Funeral Home, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. A second visitation will take place on Saturday morning, August 31, 2024, at Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church, located at 125 E. King Street, from 9 a.m. to the 11 a.m. Memorial Mass. Fr. Chris Kemp will officiate.

Immediately following the mass there will be a procession to Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Cemetery where a brief graveside service will take place along with military honors conducted by the Northwood’s Honor Guard and by two representatives from the United States Army.

All are invited to join the family for a meal to celebrate Jim’s life at Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church.

Memorial contributions in honor of Jim may be given to Nativity of Our Lord Catholic School.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Hildebrand Funeral Home & Cremation Specialists, 24 E. Davenport Street, Rhinelander, Wisconsin, 54501, 715-365-4343. Everyone is invited to leave an online condolence at www.hildebrandrussfh.com.