James W. Luepke, age 80, passed away on Monday October 23, 2023, in Shawano surrounded by family. James was born on October 31, 1942, in Green Bay, Wisconsin to the late Elmer and Ruth (Lawrenz) Luepke. He graduated from Bonduel High School in 1960. After high school James proudly served in the United States Army where he was in the 101 Airborne Division and in 1963 he received his honorable discharge. On April 24, 1965, he was united in marriage to Mary Lemke at St. Paul Lutheran Church. He drove trucks for Red Owl, CW Transport and CCX Trucking, where he received the name "Ghost Rider" until retiring in 2007. In James free time, he enjoyed gardening, cutting wood and being in the outdoors. He was an active member of St. Paul Lutheran Church and the Bonduel American Legion Zernicke-Wegner Post # 217.

James is survived by his wife of 58 years, Mary; sons, Patrick (Mary) Luepke and Matthew (Tricia) Luepke; grandchildren, Amanda (Matthew) Oshier, James (Kylee) Luepke, Evan (Melanie) Luepke, Olivia (Turner) Waller, Seth (friend, Shelby Beyer) Luepke, Haley Quandt and Kylie Quandt; great-grandchildren, Brooklyn Luepke, Maverick Luepke, Weston Luepke, Mason Dewitt, Waylon Luepke, Atticus Waller and two more on the way; siblings, Lynne (Jerry) Marohl, Tom (Barb) Luepke, Steven (Karen) Luepke, Joel (Laurie) Luepke and Kaye (Kevin) Voss; and in laws, Dean and Joni Lemke, Owen Boettcher and Lois Lemke. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

James is preceded in death by his son, Timothy James Luepke; parents, Elmer and Ruth; brothers, Lonny Luepke and Dennis Luepke; parents-in-law, Marvin and Beatrice Lemke; brother-in-law, John Lemke and sister-in-law, Dorene Boettcher.

A funeral service for James will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday October 26, 2023, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Bonduel with Pastor Timothy Shoup officiating. Visitation will be held at the church on Wednesday October 25, 2023, from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm and then again on Thursday from 9:00 am until the time of service. Burial will be held at the church cemetery. Military Honors will be conducted at the cemetery by the Bonduel American Legion Zernicke-Wegner Post # 217.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to all the staff at Birch Hill Nursing Home and Promedica, for all their wonderful help.