James Lee Kelnhofer Age 78, of Rice Lake, WI, died peacefully on Wednesday October 11, 2023 in Chetek, WI.

He was born on August 1, 1945 in Rice Lake to Arnold and Adeline (Stodola) Kelnhofer.

Jim graduated from Rice Lake High School and entered the Army National Guards. He was married to Vicki Buck. He owned and operated Rice Lake Greenhouses in Rice Lake with his brother Dick for many years.

He is survived by his wife, Vicki Kelnhofer; his children, Barbara (Brian) Arbetan and Paul Kelnhofer; 4 grandchildren, Justin Kelnhofer, Alisha (Devon) Watkins, Andrew Arbetan (Ryah) and Amy Arbetan (Matt); 2 great grandchildren, Emmett and Owen; a sister, Deanne (Earl) Zimmerman; a sister-in-law, Midge Kelnhofer; ex wife, Kathy Kelnhofer; many nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents, Arnold and Adeline; stepfather, Ben Wiesner; a brother, Dick; a sister, Mary (Lavern) Ebel.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12PM Thursday, October 19, 2023 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rice Lake, Father Isaiah Schick officiating, with interment in St. Joseph Cemetery in Rice Lake at a later date. Visitation will be held from 10AM-12PM Thursday at the church. Appleyard’s Home for Funerals in Rice Lake, WI is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Last Update: Oct 12, 2023 7:04 pm CDT