James "Jim" Stencel

James "Jim" Stencel, of Grafton, went to his heavenly home on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at the age of 80 years. Jim was born in Milwaukee in 1944. His family moved to Cedarburg(Hamilton) where he, his mother the late Gertrude and father the late Joseph, Grandpa and his 3 brothers the late Jerry, the late Dan and David would fill their years with love, laughter, hunting, fishing, sports and the occasional stories.

Jim was later sent to Vietnam '66-67 to fight for freedom as a helicopter door gunner and later crew chief. Upon returning he married another small town farming girl named Lorraine. He became a cabinet and countertop maker for Schuette Woodcraft. After a while a son was born to them they named Craig. Jim enjoyed many fishing trips on Lake Michigan, hunting in various locations in Wisconsin and watching the Packers and Brewers. Jim was a woodworker all his life and enjoyed making items at home as well as at work and finally retired from Goebel Woodworking in his late 60s. Jim was a proud veteran and belonged to the Rose Harms legion post for over 50 years where he was an honor squad member and POW/MIA chairman. He was a member of the United Vietnam Veterans group out of Hartford. Jim and his son were able to travel to Washington DC on the honor flight. The experience moved him deeply as he wept for fallen comrades he knew at the wall memorial. He and his family traveled to Branson, MO to take part in the 119th helicopter assault reunion, the company to which he belonged in Vietnam. Jim was a caring, fun-loving, nature loving, deeply religious all-around great guy. He will be missed greatly and has been loved by all who he touched with his friendship, compassion and loving attitude.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Lorraine, son and favorite daughter-in-law, Craig (Tera), brother, David (Wendy), mother-in-law, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, October 9, 2025, from 10:00am to 12:30pm, at Mueller Funeral Home & Crematory, 979 N. Green Bay Rd., Grafton. There will be Military Walkthrough/Honors immediately following the visitation at the funeral home. Following Military services, a Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at 1:30pm, at St. Francis Borgis North Catholic Church, 1375 Covered Bridge Rd., Cedarburg. Private family burial will take place at Central Wisconsin Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery, in King.

He enjoyed his wonderful special neighbors and friends. Thank you to the “special angels” that helped our family.