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James Edwin Zanzig, age 90, of Winneconne passed away peacefully Tuesday, September 21, 2021, at his home. He was born September 10, 1931, in Wauwatosa to Elmer and Joyce (Woods) Zanzig. Jim was a 1950 graduate of Fond du Lac High School. He attended one year of college at UW-Oshkosh when he enlisted in the United States Army. James served with honor in the Korean War with the 64th Field Artillery of the 25th Infantry Division.

He met Joyce Erickson at a Valentine’s dance and they were married on February 10, 1956. Jim and Joyce were blessed to spend 63 wonderful years together. After moving 12 times in the first 10 years, they finally settled to raise their family in Neenah. As Jim approached his early retirement, they moved to Winneconne in 1986 to fulfill Jim’s dream to return to a home on the lake. For 38 years he worked for Wisconsin Bell/AT&T.

After serving 2 years active duty in Korea Jim served 31 years in the Army Reserve. He retired with the rank of 1st Sergeant. He was a competitive marksman and won may awards.  He was a part of a team that was the World-Wide Winning Rifle Expert Class of 1970. Upon his retirement from the reserves Jim and 11 fellow retirees formed a group they called the “Dirty Dozen.” The group gathered at least once a year to celebrate each other and their brotherhood by enjoying a great meal, many laughs and maybe even several hot hands of sheepshead.

Jim was an avid golfer and passed his love for the game to all three of his children. He loved spending g time on the water boating, swimming, skiing and duck hunting or just plain watching the beautiful sunsets over Lake Winneconne.

No family get together, sports event, band/choir concert, dance recital or graduation was ever missed. Jim treasured spending time with his family in every way. He still was a force to be reckoned with on the basketball court even until very recently. He especially looked forward to his golf league on Mondays, Wednesdays with his boys and cards with the guys on Thursdays.

Jim was a faithful husband, a loving father and doting grandpa and great-grandpa. No toes were ever left untickled and he never turned down an opportunity to give a horsey back ride.

James is survived by his three children, Scott Zanzig of Winneconne, Tracy (Michael) Anderson of Larsen, Brian (Jacqueline) Zanzig of Appleton; three grandchildren, Megan (Herman) Chiu, Taren Beyer (Nick Hansen), Sophia Zanzig; two great-grandchildren, Aspen Beyer, Arlan Chiu; brother, Jerry (Jean) Zanzig; sisters-in-law, Sue Zanzig, Terri Erickson; and nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

James was preceded in death by his devoted wife Joyce; a brother, Charles; and brother-in-law, Gary Erickson.

A visitation for family and friends will be on Wednesday, September 29, 2021, from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. at Mueller Funeral Home 904 E. Main St. Winneconne. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home with Chaplain Lissa Field officiating. Military honors will follow. Interment will be at a later date in the Winneconne Cemetery.

If you wish please submit online condolences to muellerfh.net.