Obituary of James Leroy Foelker

JAMES L. FOELKER age 85 of Jefferson, passed away on Monday December 20, 2010 at his home. He was born the fifth of eight children on October 20, 1925 on the family farm in rural Fort Atkinson to Arthur and Catherine (Silberhorn) Foelker. Following graduation from high school, he was employed by Pabst Farms of Oconomowoc as a farmhand where he learned the agricultural business that would serve him well in later years and during the war years he was employed at Moe Brothers. On June 10, 1950 he married Carol Steinhoff in Eagle, Wisconsin and they farmed together in the Hebron area for over 40 years. James served as a Supervisor for the Town of Hebron for 14 years and was also Town Chairman. Upon retirement they moved to Jefferson where he was an active volunteer at St. Vincent de Paul and the Jefferson Food Pantry. James was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic church in Jefferson. He will be deeply missed by his wife Carol of 60 years of Jefferson, three sons; David (Susan) Foelker of Sun Prairie, Dr. Dennis (Karen) Foelker of Watertown, James (Diane) Foelker of McFarland and a daughter Diane Foelker of Fort Atkinson. Also, two brothers; Raymond (Marlene) Foelker of Muskego, William (Edna) Foelker of Jefferson and a sister; Vivian Maynard of Palestine IL He is also survived by 14 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Ruth, Marion and Irene, one brother Arthur and his eldest daughter, Margaret Goettl. Mass of Christian burial will be held at 12:00 noon on Monday December 27, 2010 at St. John the Baptist Catholic church in Jefferson with the Rev. Thomas Coyle officiating. Private family entombment will follow at Milton Lawn cemetery in Janesville. Visitation will be held on Monday at the Church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. The family extends a heartfelt thank you to all of James's wonderful caregivers. Their compassionate care and support during the past year made Jim's life much more comfortable. Donations in memory of James may be made to Jefferson Rainbow Hospice or to St. John the Baptist Catholic church Condolences and memorials can also be made online at www.schneidermichaelisfuneralhome.com