Jim Gottsacker

WOODRUFF, Wis. — Jim Gottsacker, 80, a resident of Eagle River since 2002, and formerly of Watersmeet, Mich., died Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2013. in Woodruff.

He was born April 11, 1933, in Sheboygan, to Roman and Marion Gottsacker. Jim served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. He received his Bachelor of Science from Iowa State University in forestry and a Master of Science from Syracuse University in forest economics.

He married Kathleen Bales on Sept. 3, 1960, in West Bend.

Jim worked for the U.S. Forest Service for 26 years from 1962 to 1988. He was also an assessor in Watersmeet from 1988 to 2003, and a member of the Lions Club International. Jim enjoyed being active: Hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, woodworking and making maple syrup. Jim was an active member of St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church and was a member of the finance council. He volunteered at St. Peter’s Thrift Store and the Annex.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Romaine Draughon.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Kathleen, of Eagle River; sons, Keven (Jodi) Gottsacker, of Eagle River, James (Shelly) Gottsacker, of Bloomington, Ill., Joel (Tom McCarthy) Gottsacker, of Farmington Hills, Mich., Neal (Patricia) Gottsacker, of Cedarburg, and Bill (Joan) Gottsacker, of Cincinnati. Jim is also survived by his sisters, Joan Gottsacker and Sister Edith Gottsacker, both of Eagle River; and grandchildren, Nicholas, Brandon, Miranda, Nathan, Christopher, Jessica, Erin, Matthew, Megan and Catherine.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. today, Saturday, Nov. 30, at St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church in Eagle River.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church in Eagle River or to Seasons of Life in Woodruff are appreciated.

Condolences may be made at gaffney-busha.com. Arrangements are by Gaffney-Busha Funeral Home, Eagle River.