James Ray “Jim” Klein, age 74 of Plum City, died Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024, at Marshfield Medical Center in Eau Claire, Wis.
Jim was born March 10, 1949, the second of eight children to Raymond and Eugenia (Marto) Klein. He was raised on a farm in rural Arkansaw, Wis,, attended elementary school at St. John’s Catholic School in Plum City and graduated from Plum City High School. After graduation Jim briefly attended University of Wisconsin – Stout and then joined the carpentry trade.
On Dec.13, 1980, Jim married Shirley Poeschel and together they raised three children in rural Plum City. Jim spent many years working in the construction business, mostly on large commercial projects in the Twin Cities Metro. Whenever he was asked what his favorite type of project was, he would always say hospitals, including work he did on the Milwaukee Children’s Hospital in the early 1990s. Jim was a member of the Twin Cities Carpenters Union for over 50 years. After retiring from carpentry Jim sold All American Homes and was a driver for Pepin County, providing rides to elderly and disabled persons.
Jim was an avid outdoorsman. He loved his time spent with his hunting crew, trying to get that big buck and sharing stories about the one that got away. In the summer Jim liked to fish Lake Pepin and other smaller lakes in the area. He also made many trips to Lake Michigan and Lake Superior to fish the bigger waters. Jim visited Alaska with his son Dan, fulfilling a lifelong dream to fish and take in the beautiful scenery. When he wasn’t hunting or fishing, Jim also liked to travel, watch the birds in his backyard, woodwork and leathercraft, or just tinker around in the garage on a project. Above all else Jim enjoyed time spent with family and friends the most.
Jim is survived by his wife of 43 years Shirley; children Jessica, Jennifer, and Daniel (Shane), grandson Everest, and siblings David (Lori), Charles (Linda), Doug (Michelle), Mary Jo (Ron) Bauer, Ann Klein, Mark (Martha), brother-in-law Jeffrey Arneson, many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. He is proceeded in death by his parents, brother Jeffrey, brother-in-law Allen Poeschel and his wife Patricia, sister-in-law Marcia Albrecht, brother-in-law James Poeschel, and sister-in-law Tammy Arneson.
Memorial Mass will be 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 26, 2024 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Plum City with Rev. John Zweber officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery in the Spring. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of services at the church on Friday. A Celebration of Life will follow the Mass at Molly’s on Main in Plum City.
Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Durand, is serving the family.
Condolences may be made online at www.rhielfuneralhome.com.
