July 19, 2017 – West Bend, WI – James “Jim” N. Van Altena, 74, of West Bend, caught his last fish on Monday, July 17, 2017 at Froedtert Hospital, Milwaukee.
He was born on October 6, 1942 to the late Norman and Bernadine (nee Laubach) Van Altena in Milwaukee WI. On August 8, 1964, he was united in marriage to Gloria Wiedmeyer at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Menomonee Falls. Jim worked for the Falk Company for many years until retirement. He was an extremely avid fisherman and enjoyed making his own lures and teaching his grandchildren how to fish. Jim enjoyed going fishing with his best friend Bobby. He liked hunting and playing golf. Jim was a very outgoing person and enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Those Jim leaves behind to cherish his memory include his loving wife, Gloria Van Altena; a daughter, Connie Van Altena; five grandchildren, Amanda Choe, Anthony Van Altena, Damion Van Altena, Jordan Owens, and William Owens; a great-granddaughter, Olivia Choe; three sisters, Yvonne (James) Ellenberger, Susan (James) Badura, and Jean (Robert) Pritchard; a sister-in-law, Joan Wiedmeyer; a special friend and care giver, Cris Guenther; his fishing buddy, Bobby; and his 2 dogs, Toby and Fritz.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his daughter, Kathy Van Altena; his father and mother-in-law, Raymond and Catherine Wiedmeyer; his brother in law, Raymond Wiedmeyer Jr.; and his 2 dogs, Tasha and Mugsie.
A funeral service in remembrance of Jim will be held on Sunday, July 23, 2017 at 5 p.m. at the Myrhum Patten Miller & Keitzer Funeral Home, 1315 W. Washington St. West Bend.
The family will greet family and friends at the funeral home Sunday from 3:00 p.m. until the time of service.
A special thank you to all of Jim’s CNA’s and his neighbors for all their help and care.