James B. “Jim” Rouse, age 87, of Shawano passed away on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at his home. Jim was born on November 26, 1938, in Shawano, son of the late Benjamin and Elona (Briske) Rouse. Jim was baptized at St. Martin Lutheran Church in Belle Plaine and graduated from Shawano High School. On February 28, 1960, Jim was united in marriage to Betty Zeman in Shawano. Jim worked in construction with his brother, Lee Rouse Construction, then ran the family farm for several years before returning to construction where he worked for Sperberg Construction until retiring. Jim enjoyed hunting and fishing and had a passion for sports. He played softball and bowled in his younger years, and he loved attending his grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s games and events. He always treasured the memories made during the annual family vacations over the past nearly 40 years. Jim was a kind, loving man who loved his family dearly and will be greatly missed and fondly remembered.

Jim is survived by: his wife of 66 years, Betty; daughters, Wendy (James) Vanderlinden and Lori (Keith) Schoenick; grandchildren, Kyle (Jessica) Vanderlinden, Nathan Schoenick, Jenna (Andrew) Ponshock and Brittany (William) Schlosser; and great-grandchildren, Braxton, Arabella, Brody, Braylin, Valen and Emryn. He is further survived by numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Jim is preceded in death by his siblings, June Surprise Stecker, Lee Rouse, Elmer Rouse, Dorothy Murphy and Harriet Gibbons; and parents, Benjamin and Elona Rouse.

A funeral service for Jim will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday April 7, 2026, at St. John Lutheran Church in Belle Plaine with Rev. Todd Jerabek officiating. Visitation will be held at the church on Tuesday from 9:30 am until the time of service. Burial will be held at the church cemetery.

“As long as you learned something”