Jim Gruenhagen, 87, passed away peacefully at home in Rice Lake on Tuesday, February 14, 2023.

He is survived by Clara (Soldner), his wife of 67 years.

Over the course of his life, Jim was a carpenter and contractor, was the ranger at Camp Phillips where he was a member of the Order of the Arrow honor society of the Boy Scouts of America, and was an owner of Hardscrabble Ski Area. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, water skiing, snowmobiling, and downhill skiing, and was on the National Ski Patrol for much of his adult life. Jim was a life member of the Elks Lodge.

Survivors are two daughters Julie Gruenhagen Strasheim, Denver, CO and Lisa Gruenhagen, Bowling Green, OH; and son Jim Gruenhagen (Melinda), Rice Lake. Grandchildren Amanda Strasheim Kornienko (Alex), Denver, CO; Josh Gruenhagen, Rice Lake; Jenna Lindsay (Sam), Eau Claire, WI; Kara Gruenhagen, Chippewa Falls, WI; Parker Gruenhagen, Rice Lake. Great grandchildren Emmett, Amelia, and Ayven Lindsay. Sister, Peggy Bailey; Sisters-in-law, Sharon Gruenhagen and Carol Heinel; and Sister- and Brother-in-law, George and Bette Soldner. And many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Frank Gruenhagen and Mary Ann Gruenhagen, and brothers Frank Gruenhagen, Dick Gruenhagen, and Billy Gruenhagen.

The family wishes to extend appreciation to the nurses and staff at St. Croix Hospice for their excellent care. A celebration of his life will be held at 1PM Saturday, June 3, 2023 at Long Lake Lutheran Church in Sarona, WI. If you’d like, please plant a tree in memory of Jim as a living tribute.

Appleyard’s Home for Funerals in Rice lake, WI is assisting the family with the arrangements.

In Memory… I’d like the memory of me to be a happy one. I’d like to leave an afterglow of smiles, when day is done. I’d like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days. I’d like the tears of those who grieve to dry before the sun of happy memories that I leave behind, when day is done.

Last Update: Feb 17, 2023 7:25 am CST