James B. Wilfert

James B. Wilfert, age 88, resident of Two Rivers, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 10, 2023.

Jim was born in Two Rivers, Wisconsin on October 25, 1935 to George and Amanda (Delsmann) Wilfert, Sr. He graduated from Washington High School with the class of 1953 and soon after began his employment with the Metal Ware Corporation of Two Rivers. In 1956 he enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving in Germany until 1958. It was there that he met life-long friends : Milt Wetenkamp, Gordon Bauer and Allen Backus. In 1998, the four men and their spouses took an extended vacation, revisiting their military base in Germany and also traveling to Austria.

After serving in the military, he returned home to his employment at the Metal Ware Corporation, retiring in 2002 after 48 years of service as a manufacturing engineer. In the early 1970's,  Jim also furthered his education at the ACME Institute of Technology. After graduating, he continued to serve as an instructor with the school.

On September 10, 1960 he married Joyce Basken at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, Two Rivers.  Together they enjoyed boating, fishing, snowmobiling and traveling which included annual family vacations to Eagle River and family cruises.  They enjoyed taking a drive, with no destination in mind and stumbling upon a new supper club, where they would often return to with family or friends.  He especially enjoyed a good round of sheepshead with their card club of 50+ years and many card club trips to Clark Lake.  He shared his love of sheepsheads by teaching his children and grandchildren the game.  He also enjoyed polka and country music.  Above all, his family always came first.

Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Joyce; one daughter and son-in-law: Colleen (Rick) Inman, Two Rivers; two sons and daughters-in-law: Wayne (Dawn) Wilfert, Richfield, and Kevin (Kim) Wilfert, Germantown; five grandchildren: Megan (Brad) Graham, Kristin (Jordan) Recker, Nicole (Dylan) Gaspardo, Ryan Wilfert (special friend Kaile) and Trenton Wilfert; three great-grandchildren: Valerie, Weston and Olivia; sister-in-law Dorothy Pech; brother-in-law Ron (Cheryl) Basken; nieces, nephews, family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Mary Jane Wilfert; two brothers and a sister-in-law: Paul (Gladys) Wilfert and George Wilfert, Jr.; one nephew, Greg Wilfert; his father-in-law and mother in-law: Henry and Bessie Basken; and two brothers-in-law, Lester Basken and Chester Pech.

Private family services were held on Thursday, November 16th at the Deja & Martin Funeral Chapels, Two Rivers. Entombment was held at Knollwood Chapel Mausoleum, Hwy. 310, Manitowoc.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.dejamartin.com.

The family would like to thank Ken Kasper and staff at Deja & Martin Funeral Chapels for their support during this difficult time.