James George "Jim" Wizner, 88 of Shawano, passed away in peace on September 17, 2024.  Jim was one of four children born on February 9, 1936, to George and Grace (Rudolph) Wizner in Menominee, MI.  While still a child, his family moved to Green Bay, WI where he and his brother would pick up odd jobs shoveling snow and delivering newspapers. As a teenager, he worked at Coca Cola company inspecting bottles.

Jim served 3 years in the US Air Force before returning to Green Bay to begin an amazing 44-year career as a locomotive engineer, initially working for the Milwaukee Road alongside his dad.  His years spent on the railroad were some of his best memories, proudest accomplishments and were often the backdrop of some of the most entertaining stories he would tell….and re-tell.

While out bowling one night with friends, Jim met Terri Hayek.  They married in 1965, had four children together and spent the next 57 years together until her death in 2022.

Jim's career took his family to Davenport, IA where he retired from the Central Pacific Railroad in 1996.  Jim and Terri moved back to Wisconsin and have spent the past 28 years in Shawano, living and pontoon boating on the Wolf River, a place that he so loved to be.  And as if 44 years of working were not enough, this ever active and "on the go" guy then served 15 years as a crossing guard for the C ity of Shawano, often with his side kick dog, Allie, in tow.

Jim lived a wonderful and very full life, and that awareness brought him happiness and peace.

Jim is survived his children: Mike (Jody) Wizner of Shawano and grandchildren Aidan, Jordan and Deacan Wizner and Jessica (Josh) Heling and great-grandchildren Brooklyn, Austin and Camryn Heling; Julie (Steve) Wizner of Appleton and grandson Shawn Brogni; Diane (Tracy) Wizner of Greenleaf; Sue Wizner of Pulaski, and grandson Isaiah Wizner.

The family would like to extend a very special thank you to all of those who have impacted Jim's life in such positive ways to include friends, Ed, Lynn, Donna and Kirby, past and current neighbors, staff and swimmers at Shawano Recreation Center pool and all the various people around town that he made a point of interacting with regularly from Deli Counter workers to Cashiers to Servers.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and all siblings.

There will be a short memorial service on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Swedberg Funeral Home located at 518 W Fifth Street, Shawano, WI with Military Honors will be conducted by the Shawano American Legion Post #117.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the ThedaCare providers and Hospice team that provided comfort, care and compassion.