James Greunke, of Pickerel, died on October 3, 2023 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. He was 83 years old. He was born on July 11, 1940 in Appleton, Wisconsin, a son of Alvin and Inez (Erdman) Greunke. He married Mary Simington on August 20, 1994 in Pickerel.
He graduated from Appleton High School and received his Bachelor's degree from Carthage College.
Mr. Greunke was a biology and advanced math teacher at Gardner High School in Illinois. In 1993 he retired and moved to Pickerel.
He was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Pickerel. Jim enjoyed fishing, the outdoors, and hunting for morel mushrooms and ginseng.
Survivors include his wife, Mary; daughter, Elaine (Troy) Finke; son, Rodger Livingston; three grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and a brother, Thomas Greunke.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Timothy Livingston; a brother, Gerald Greunke and a sister, Nadine Janson.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 28, 2023 at 12 p.m. at St. John Lutheran Church in Pickerel with Reverend Richard Kelm officiating.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 28, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. John Lutheran Church Children's Ministry or Candle Fund, N8934 State Hwy 55, Pickerel WI 54465.
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Pickerel, Wisconsin 54465
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Pickerel, Wisconsin 54465
Memorial Tree was purchased for the family of James Greunke by Anonymous.
Mr Greunke was one of the best teachers at GSW. I always enjoyed going to his classes and Advanced Biology was hard and good college prep. Thanks Mr. G for your sense of humor and good times. My condolences to his friends and family. Great guy. Joyce Robinson Class of 77
So sorry for your loss Mary. He was a good friend and will be missed. Do to medical reasons I won't be able to join you.Memorial Tree was purchased for the family of James Greunke by Anonymous.
Mr Greunke was our neighbor when he lived in Diamond, Illinois. such a nice person. loved having conversations with him. rest in peace
Mr. Gueunke was truly an amazing teacher! I was one of his Biology students at GSW in the early 1980's. He truly taught me how to study and prepare for tests. I will always remember seeing him and Mr. Ciders standing together in the hallway each day doing duty in between classes. I am truly a better teacher today thanks to his caring and inspirational teaching methods. Prayers of peace to his entire family. The world was a better place because of this fine man!
Mr Greunke was our neighbor for years in Diamond Illinois He was a great neighbor and will be missed.
Mr. Greunke was my high school biology teacher! He was amazing! He will be missed by so many! Prayers and comfort for his family.
Mr. Greunke was my high school biology teacher. He was a great teacher and I always looked forward to attending his classes, and he also made them entertaining. I’m sorry to his family, the world has lost a piece of joy.
Niki GSW class of 1990
What a great teacher and I loved him! He made the classes fun.
Mr. Greunke was very influential in my teaching career. His humor was amazing. Although a difficult class, he made Advanced Biology very fun and entertaining. I loved the unit on Genetics.
I am so sorry for your loss.
Jill Humbert Finn
GSW - 1972
Absolutely one of the best teachers ever! Rest In Peace Mr. Greunke!
Jim will be sadly missed by all of us lucky enough to know him! Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very sad time. God Bless!
RIP Mr Greunke. Thanks for letting me skip out of study hall every day during my senior year. Dave Scanavino
One of my favorite teachers! A lot of great high school memories with him!
Rest in peace I had you as a teacher in High School always loved your humor!
Mr . Greunke was one of my favorite high school teachers. He was old school and knew how teach kids. I still remember most of the bones and muscles in the rabbits and frogs we dissected, lol.. Loved to hear his fishing stories every Monday morning in class.Rest in peace my friend. You will always be a part of Panther Nation.