Jim E. Stapelman, 62, died at St. Luke’s Medical Center in Milwaukee on Friday, April 1, 2011. Jim had been battling heart disease for numerous years.
A lifelong resident of Racine, he was born in Racine on July 5, 1948, the son of Edward and Rosemary (nee: Schaefer) Stapelman. He graduated from St. Catherine’s High School and from Racine Technical College. On May 13, 1972, he married Jean Wieczorek at St. Edward Catholic Church.
Jim retired due to health reasons from JRS Distribution. Prior to his employment at JRS, he worked over 31 years for Jacobsen Textron, Inc.
Jim was very active with Racine Explorer Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps and the Boys of ‘76 Drum and Bugle Corps, where he marched as a soprano bugler. In addition to participating, he also taught many buglers for a number of other drum and bugle corps. Jim was a fanatical golfer that took many golfing trips with friends. He was also a proud member of the House of Harley HOG Chapter. However, he was happiest when in the surroundings of his family and friends.
In addition to his loving wife, Jean Stapelman of Racine, he is survived by his daughter, Andrea Stapelman of Madison; his brother, John (Susan) Stapelman; niece, Kelsey Stapelman both of Baraboo, WI; sisters-in-law, Barbara (Bob) Hartnell of Kenosha, Suzanne Landis of Racine;brother-in-law, Paul Wieczorek of Spring Hill, FL; his aunt, Dorothy Koll (nee: Schaefer) of Racine; as well as numerous other nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Family and friends are invited to meet at the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home and Crematory on Thursday, April 7, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. for the celebration of Jim’s life and funeral service with Rev. Jeffrey M. Thielen officiating. There will be a visitation in the funeral home from 4-7 p.m. A cremation will take place after the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the family have been suggested for a memorial to be determined at a later date.
Bill and Rosemary Dorece says
I remember all the good times we all had as cousins, both at Aunt Roses and our grandparents house. We often played football in the yard or pool in the basement. The food was always great. We always got along–no fighting ever. Jim was a good guy, never heard him say a bad word about anyone. We will pray for his family and are sorry for their loss.
Jim Davis says
I just now found out that Jim has passed after not seeing Him since He was My Soprano Horn Instructor for the Crusader/Gladiator Drum Corp back in 1972. Jim inspired My playing style and encouraged Me to do My very Best. In the Drum Corp ‘World’, Jim was like “god” when it came to ‘wailing’ on a F. E. Olds Soprano Bugle, which set the bar quite high for Us “Up and Commers”. Jim’s Integrity, Style and Leadership were My Role Model when I was so impressionable at age 14. God Bless His Memory and His Loving Family Members.