James "Jim" Shafel

James "Jim" Joseph Shafel Sr. was born July 15, 1939 in Antigo WI to Joseph and Margaret (Marx) Shafel. He entered into eternal peace while at home after a long battle with cancer on May 17, 2023.

He attended Antigo High School and because of a critical need on the family farm, he was one of the area's first to obtain a GED via a night school program. He married Bonnie Packard on February 8, 1958, the love of his life for 65 years. Jim farmed his entire life for Sunnydale Farms; from the time the farm was a dairy producer, through the transition to potato grower. He also developed and modernized his farm over his entire life. He continued working through the 2022 growing season with the help of his sons, James Jr. and Michael, and grandson Markus.

In addition to his constant focus on improving the farm, Jim had a number of interests in and outside the Antigo community. They included both professional associations and non-farming activities. He was a longtime member of the WPVGA (Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association). He attended annual national conventions in many locations, representing an important voice for the growers in his area. As a result, he had quality relationships with industry members/leaders from the entire United States and Canada. He enjoyed everything related to the farming industry, and enjoyed off the farm events including, Plow Days, and collecting antique tractors and trucks and was a member of the Northwoods Tractor Club.

Jim had many interests. He was an avid motorcycle enthusiast, over the years, he owned and rode several motorcycles. He and Bonnie were part of a local friend group, calling themselves the "Geritol Angels", taking long road trips to destinations all over North America, often visiting customers along the way. He also enjoyed riding snowmobiles, UTV's, boating, motocross as well as building and flying model airplanes. Jim liked to hunt, watch birds, ski, collect guns and attend the EAA Fly In at Oshkosh. He enjoyed accordions, polkas and potato pancakes.

Jim was a member of both St. Mary and St. Hyacinth Catholic Churches.

Jim is survived by his wife Bonnie (Packard) Shafel, children, James Jr. (Lisa Bretl) Shafel, Antigo, Sandra (Michael Vierzba) Shafel, Florence, WI, Michael (Kathleen Rasmussen) Shafel, Antigo WI. He is also survived by his siblings Joseph Shafel, Cascade, Mary Shafel (Wallace Gelhar), Wausau, and David Shafel, Rhinelander and sister-in-law Judy Shafel. In addition, Jim is survived by many grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Margaret (Marx) Shafel, brother Melvin Shafel, son Allen Shafel and granddaughter Kayla Shafel.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Jim will be held on Saturday, May 27, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Ss. Mary and Hyacinths Catholic Church with Father Joel Sember officiating. Visitation will take place on Friday, May 26, 2023 at Strasser-Roller Funeral Home from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM and again prior to the service at the church from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Saturday. Burial will follow the service at Queen of Peace Cemetery.

Memorials in Jim's name may be directed to the Town of Antigo Fire Department Firetruck Fund.

The family thanks the entire medical and support staff at Aspirus Cancer Center and the excellent hospice support received during Jim's last days.

To honor Jim, offer an act of kindness to someone and perhaps lend a helping hand to a person in need. He would have helped others without a second thought.

Strasser-Roller Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Friends may visit online at strasserrollerfuneralhome.com.