James B. Bednarek

JAMES B. BEDNAREK

   RACINE – Mr. James Bednarek, 86, passed away peacefully at his residence surrounded by his family on Saturday, May 3, 2014.

   He was born in Racine on August 7, 1927, the son of the late Bernard and Adele (nee: Belconis) Bednarek.  

   When he was 18 years old, he joined the US Coast Guard and proudly served for 2 years.  Upon leaving the Coast Guard he entered a career in law enforcement with the Racine Police Department in which he served for 34 years, retiring in 1983.  He loved police work very much, working foot and motorcycle patrols and as a municipal court officer for Judge Michaelson.  He made many hunting and fishing friends on the department and was also proud to be a member of their basketball team when they won a championship trophy for the 1952 -53 season, winning14 games and losing only 1.   

   He was sworn into the army organized reserve sponsored by the Racine Police Department, training men in military police and army criminal investigation tactics.   

   On May 24, 1952, which James always said was the best thing he ever did, he married Mary Jane Nuter at Holy Trinity Church in Racine.  They had three children, James, Mary Ellen and Laurie Ann.  He loved them very much was very proud of each one.  He took care of them growing up and they cared for him during his last years of illness.  Fate brought Jim and Mary Jane together, and faith and love kept them together for 62 happy years. 

   During Jim’s healthy years, he loved spending time with his family in Necedah, WI on his 5 acre property, fishing and hunting deer and bear, with occasional trips to the Wisconsin Dells playing the slot machines.  He was a happy man, loved music, especially Dean Martin, and did a lot of singing around the house.   He also loved doing crossword puzzles.

   Our lives are so much sadder without him but we know he’s in a happy and healthy place.  We thank God we had him as long as we did.

   In addition to his loving wife, Mary Jane and his children, James (Jill Dahl) Bednarek, Mary Ellen Maurer and Laurie Ann (Denis) Bump, Jim is survived by his grandchildren, James (Sarah) Bednarek, Joe (Christi) Bednarek, Jessy (Scott) Hinkley, Brian (Misty) Bump, Benjamin Bump and his cherished great grandchildren, Corryn, James, Jaxson, Eliana, Alice , Bethany, Daisy, Sydney, Wyatt and Emma and by  his brother-in-law, Jerry (Judy) Nuter all of Racine  Jim was also preceded in death by his son-in-law, Howard Maurer; sister, Dorothy (Henry) Slater and sister-in-law, Gwen Nuter.

  Family and friends are invited to meet at St. Rita Parish (4339 Douglas Ave.) on Thursday, May 8, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. for the celebration of his life and funeral Mass.  There will be a visitation in the church from 10-11 a.m.  A private interment will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery in Caledonia.  In lieu of flowers, memorials have been suggested to Wheaton Franciscan Hospice (1055 Prairie Dr. Racine).

   James fought a long hard battle against each of his illnesses just to have more time with his family.  We would like to thank the many doctors, nurses, staff and hospice professionals; including Drs. Klas, Rybicki, Shah, Sra, Taylor, Zablotny and WFH Hospice.  These caregivers gave him that opportunity with their compassionate care.