James Frances Gatten, 89, passed away Sunday December 23, 2018 surrounded by family.

James was born October 15, 1929 in St. Paul Minnesota to Harry and Katherine Gatten. Jim had three brothers Harry, Louis (Louie), Lawrence (Red) and one sister Myrtle. Jim’s parents moved the family to Danbury Wisconsin in 1937 and built their home on Long Lake in 1942. 

Jim finished 8th grade in 1944 and went to work at the saw mill.  He worked at the saw mill and various other jobs until November 1951 when he joined the U.S. Navy. Jim was in the Navy for 4 years. In 1958 Jim bought the gas station on the corner of 35 & 77. Jim met his future wife, Helen McKenzie, for the first time when she stopped for gas. They started dating in 1962 and got engaged on Valentine’s Day of 1963.  They were married that fall.  Jim and Helen enjoyed the love of each other for the next 48 years.  

Jim and Helen had three children Martha, Paul and Jeff. Jim was a wonderful father. He went to every football game, basketball game, and baseball game, cross country meet, track meet and concert. Jim had four grandchildren that he adored. He enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren especially at the lake.

In 1968 Jim and Helen built their home on the west side of Round Lake. To Jim there was nothing better than taking a relaxing canoe ride around the lake on a calm evening. Jim would tell everyone he knew to stop by and go for a canoe ride.

Jim and Helen went on many journeys together.  Their travels took them to Niagara Falls, Boston, Kentucky, Washington D.C., the Black Hills, Yellowstone National Park, Florida, Canada, San Diego and the Rocky Mountains. When Jim retired in 1993, he and Helen took a retirement trip to Northern California and then they spent a month on a Biblical tour of Israel and the Holy Lands.

Jim and Helen were members of the First Baptist Church in Webster.  They were very active in the church.  They were Awana and CYF leaders and they taught Sunday school.  Jim was a deacon in the church. Sunday potlucks were a favorite activity of Jim’s. 

Jim was also a part of the Otis Taylor American Legion post 96. Jim was proud of his service and felt honored to support other veterans.

Jim will remain in the hearts of his loved ones; children: Martha, Paul and Jeff (Sheri) Gatten; grandchildren: Nathanael, Dominik, Isabella and Cullen; sister: Myrtle (Ben) Goodley; sister-in-law, Liz Tester; nephews, Michael and Brian; Nieces, April and Robyn. He is proceeded in death by his wife Helen, parents, and brothers: Harry, Lewis (Louie) and Lawrence (Red).

The family would like to thank the staff at Sophie’s Manor for their care and compassion over the last 2 years. The Family would also like to thank the St. Croix Hospice staff for their support in Jim’s last couple months.

A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, January 3, 2019 at 11:00 AM (visitation from 10-11:00 AM) at First Baptist Church of Webster, WI. A burial will take place at Balsam Lake Cemetery following the service. Arrangements have been entrusted to Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Homes, Webster, WI. Online condolences may be expressed at www.swedberg-taylor.com

Last Update: Jan 03, 2019 3:20 pm CST