James E. Bahls, age 75 of Beaver Dam, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, September 29, 2014 at Beaver Dam Community Hospital.
James was born on December 7, 1938 in Clyman, WI to Arthur and Mary (Metzger) Bahls. He graduated from Juneau High School and proudly served his country in the United States Army. James worked at the Weyenberg Shoe Factory in Beaver Dam for 44 years, and after retiring, he owned Beaver Shoe Repair for 5 years. James was united in marriage to Lila Braun on February 4, 1961 in Clyman.
James was an avid racing fan and enjoyed going to sprint car races all over the country. He loved spending time outdoors, especially gardening. His other hobbies included woodworking, canning, going to casinos, and playing cards and bingo. James always put other people first and enjoyed helping out in whatever way he could. He treasured his family and will be dearly missed.
James is survived by his wife of 53 years, Lila Bahls of Beaver Dam; his children, Tim (Jeanne Wood) Bales, Rick (Mary) Bahls, Linda (Bruce) Frei and Lori (Lorna Pobanz) Kreuziger; his grandchildren, Steven Bahls, Stacy Kreuziger, Alesha Bales, Amanda Owen, Marcus Bales, Rachel Bahls, Jordon Bales; his siblings, Jerry (Donna) Bahls, Judy (Vaughn) Braun, John (Addie) Bahls, Jean (Bob) Kohn, Jeff (Susan) Bahls; his in-laws, Betty Braun, Charles (Shirley) Braun, Dwayne (Carol) Braun, Jan Helmer, John (Bev) Braun, Donna Jensen, Dawn (Leo) Wehner, Darryl Braun, Norman (Jean) Braun, Dan (Janet) Braun, Marilyn Braun, Pam Braun, Charlene Selsing; and further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws, his brother, Joe Bahls, and brothers-in-law, Clarence Braun Jr., Tom Braun, Ken Helmer and Ronnie Jensen.
A Funeral Service for James will be held on Friday, October 3, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services, 135 Keller Blvd., Beaver Dam with Father Mike Erwin officiating. Cremation will take place following the service and inurnment will take place at a later date at Highland Memory Gardens, Town of Trenton. A luncheon will be served immediately following the service at Cornerstone.
Visitation will be on Thursday, October 2, 2014 from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. at Cornerstone, and also on Friday from 10:00 until the time of service at 11:00 a.m. Everyone is encouraged to wear their favorite racing shirt.
Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services, 135 Keller Blvd., Beaver Dam is honored to be serving the family. You may send private online condolences or sign the family’s guest book at www.cstonefs.com
