Obituary for James Gerald Kanetzke

August 12, 1954 – March 9, 2024

James Gerald Kanetzke, 69, passed away peacefully at Hospice House, Pleasant Prairie, on Saturday, March 9, 2024.

Jim was born in Racine on Aug. 12, 1954, to Gerald and Marie (née Eifler) Kanetzke. Jim graduated from Racine Lutheran High School. He was a lifelong member of Grace Lutheran Church, where he was baptized, confirmed and united in marriage to Judy Kipp. Jim was very active in the church, including serving on the board of elders.

Jim earned his bachelor’s degree in pharmacy from the University of Wisconsin. He was a pharmacist in the Kenosha/Racine area for over 35 years.

Among his interests, Jim was talented in designing a number of houses, which were built to his specifications for his family. He loved fishing and hunting, especially with his friend and brother-in-law, Bob, and being with family up north at their A-frame house, which Jim of course designed and built.

He was an avid photographer, taking pictures of family vacations, especially when in Germany and Italy. Jim loved all family members and would help them in many ways.

Surviving are his loving wife, Judy; son, Jacob; brother, Stephen (Lori) Kanetzke; sister, Kay (Tim) Peters; brother-in-law, Robert “Bob” Kipp; sisters-in-law, Karen (Randy) Dorece and Roberta (Charles Hansen) Adel; nine nieces and nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Gerald and Marie; and mother-in-law, Jeanette Kipp.

Services

A memorial service for James Gerald Kanetzke will be held at 11 a.m. on March 15 at Grace Lutheran Church, 3700 Washington Ave., with Rev. John Frahm III officiating. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the time of service. Inurnment will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park.

In memory of Jim, the family suggests memorials to Grace Lutheran Church Elevator Fund or Racine Lutheran High School Science Department.

Obituary and photo of James Gerald Kanetzke courtesy of Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home.