James “Rick” Bokelman

James “Rick” Bokelman, age 76, of Newburg, Wis., passed away peacefully on May 9, 2024, at Pine Haven Christian Communities with his loving daughter by his side.

He was born on April 6, 1948, in Milwaukee, Wis., the son of James and Pearl (Guske) Bokelman.

Jim graduated from Solomon Juneau High School in 1966.

He was drafted to the U.S. Marine Corps, serving from 1968 to 1969 in Vietnam with an artillery unit in the 1st 175 guns 11 Marine regiment, 1st Marine Division.

During his time in the service, he met his lifelong friend Cooper, who shared many adventures. Jim served his country proudly, and when he returned home he spent many years serving other fellow veterans in need.

In 1971, he married Cheryl Jaedike in Milwaukee, Wis.

Soon after, they purchased a beloved country home in Newburg that they spent several years fixing up. They eventually had two children, David and Kristy.

Jim worked for Pioneer Container in Cedarburg for 34 years before retiring in 2010.

Besides being an extremely proud Marine, his other passion was watching the Green Bay Packers. He was lucky enough to attend many games with his children and friends and was a shareholder (Go Pack!).

Jim also loved riding his Harley and took great pride in cutting his grass.

Jim was an avid hunter and fisherman. He spent many years bowhunting near his Newburg home and gun hunting in Sauk County with his daughter and dear friends.

He was a lifetime member of the Kettle Moraine Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 448 and a lifelong Lutheran. Jim was a devoted father, grandfather and friend, always putting those he loved first.

Survivors include his son David (Genevieve) Bokelman and their children Elizabeth and Jeremiah; daughter Kristy (Brian) Carmody and their children Penelope, Patrick and Faith; sister Nancy (Mike) Mesich; and nephews John (Olivia) Mesich, Brian (Ashley) Mesich and Matthew (Leah) Bokelman.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Thomas Bokelman.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 16, at Suchon Funeral Home, 1317 State Rd. 67, Plymouth, Wis., from 4 to 6 p.m., with a memorial service to follow at 6 p.m.

Burial will be at Wisconsin Memorial Park in Brookfield on Friday, May 17, at 11 a.m. with military rites.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Kettle Moraine Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 448 in memory of Jim.

Suchon Funeral Home is assisting the family.

For online condolences, please visit www.suchonfh.com.

The family would like to send deep gratitude to the staff of Pine Haven Christian Communities and St. Croix Hospice for all their care and compassion given to Jim.  They are true angels, and their incredible support will never be forgotten.