James R. "Jim" Fuenger

James R. “Jim” Fuenger, 77, of Fond du Lac, died on Sunday, April 30, 2017 at St. Agnes Hospital. He was born in Sparta, Wis. on June 10, 1939 to Frank and Mary (Sullivan) Fuenger.



An Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America, he went on to become a staff member at Camp Decorah and a Scout Master for fifteen years mentoring 26 future Eagle Scouts.



Jim was a veteran of the U.S. Army and served with pride in Korea. After returning from Korea, Jim worked for Chevrolet in Janesville starting a bond with his NASCAR favorite #3 Dale Earnhardt Sr.



An employee of the State of Wisconsin for 35 years, Jim started as a Youth Counselor at the Wisconsin Child Center in Sparta where he met his future bride and worked alongside lifelong friends Bob and Betty Lamb. On February 5, 1972, he married Anne Turnell in Valders, Wis.



Jim and Anne made the move to Fond du Lac in 1973 and became parents to Sarah and Joe. As a family, they enjoyed annual camping trips to Crystal Lake in northern Wisconsin as well as annual Turnell family gatherings at various cottages on Wisconsin lakes throughout the years.



A gifted story teller, Jim would tell any and all about his travels to Kenya, Bonaire, Alaska, Yellowstone, and trips down the Flambeau River to shoot the rapids.



Throughout his extended family, Jim was confirmed to be the favorite uncle to many of his nieces and nephews because of his consistent presence at family functions and willingness to play any card game – especially Dirty Clubs.



Upon retiring, Jim spent six months helping to build the new church for Ascension Lutheran. He also travelled to Mississippi and Louisiana to volunteer in rebuilding efforts after Hurricane Katrina.



Survivors include his wife, Anne; daughter, Sarah (Josh) Liegl of West Lebanon, N.H.; son, Joseph (fiancée, Nancy McCrumb) of Van Nuys, Calif.; two sisters-in-law, Margaret Fuenger and Debbie (Steve) Turnell-Edmundson; and a brother-in-law, Roy (Deborah) Turnell. He was preceded in death by his parents and parents-in-law Lenard (Fern) Turnell; brothers, Harold (Vera, Evelyn), Edwin (Laverne) and Tom; sister, Louise (John) Stubbs and an infant, twin sister, Jeanette.



The funeral service will be held Saturday, May 6, 2017 beginning at 4:00 PM, Ascension Lutheran Church, 901 County Road V in Fond du Lac with Pastor Jeff Blain officiating. Visitation will begin at 2:00 PM and continue until the time of service with dinner to follow. Military honors will be presented by the U.S. Army and American Legion Trier-Puddy Post #75



Jim’s family would like to thank all of the staff at the Agnesian Cancer Center for their dedication and compassionate care. Also, many thank you’s to the Ascension Lutheran church community and the Meadow Lane neighborhood for their love and support. In-lieu of flowers, donations can be made in remembrance of James Fuenger to the American Cancer Society.