James "Jim" Walter Drefahl

James “Jim” W. Drefahl, age 81 of Crandon, passed away in the early morning hours of Thursday, August 3, 2023 at Kindred Hearts, Clintonville.

James “Jim” Walter Drefahl was born August 20, 1941 in West Allis, WI, son to the late George W. & Martha L.W. (Wagner) Drefahl. He graduated from Central High School in West Allis with the class of 1959. Jim was united in marriage to Charlene “Char” J. Wollenzien on December 1, 1962 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, in West Allis. Throughout his earlier working years, Jim developed and managed meat packing plants all around Wisconsin. Changing careers in 1979, Jim and Char purchased a dairy farm near Embarrass, and later moved their operation to a larger farm near Tigerton in 1985. After his retirement in 2003, Jim and Char moved up near Crandon on Lake Metonga. Jim absolutely loved it when family was able to come up and visit; relaxing by the lake, taking pontoon rides, and driving the golf cart around along with his canine companion, Buddy, were some of the activities he enjoyed. He enjoyed playing card games, with Canasta and Poker as some of his favorites. Family was everything to Jim, and he was thankful to have been cared for at Kindred Hearts by his loving great-granddaughter, Avril. She was able to be at his side non-stop for his final days. Char and the rest of his family will miss him dearly.  

He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Char
Daughter: Jamie (Tim) Lodewegen, Marion & Cathy (Rick) Boda, Shawano
Son: Mike (Shawn) Drefahl, Tigerton & Justin (Patti) Drefahl, Tigerton
Grandchildren: Crystal (Jim Tischauser) Falkenberg, Tommy (Kim) Lodewegen, Jeni (Andy) Schmidt, Dylan (Tara) Drefahl, Mandi (Patrick Greene) Drefahl, Cole (Jasmine Suarez) Drefahl, Whitney Boda, Briana (Eric Bergsbaken) Boda
8 great-grandchildren
Brother: Dave Drefahl, Milwaukee

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Joan Kloss.

As per Jim’s wishes, no formal services will be held at this time.

“A special thank you to the staff at Kindred Hearts and Compassus Hospice, for the love and support you have shown our entire family.” - The Drefahl Family

The Eberhardt-Stevenson Funeral Home & Crematory, Clintonville, is assisting the Drefahl family with arrangements.

An online guestbook is available at eberhardtstevenson.com.