James Englebert

James (Jim) Englebert, 89, of Mishicot Wisconsin passed away in his home on May 8 surrounded with love. He was born to the late Esther and Charlie Englebert on February 22, 1936 in the Town of Red River, Kewaunee County. He graduated from Casco High School in 1953. After four years in the U.S. Air Force, he attended the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point where he met a young co-ed while registering for classes. Waiting in line behind Peggy Johnson, he was smitten and looked over her shoulder to learn her name. He pretended to know her in order to strike up a conversation. Jim and Peggy married in 1961. After living in Lincoln and Casco, they moved to Mishicot in 1969. Jim is survived by his five children, Lisa (Rick) Johnson of Indianapolis, IN; Brad (Chris) Englebert of Mishicot, WI; Lynn (Steve) Strevell of Nashville, TN; Christy (Jason) Johnson of Appleton, WI and Dave (Kelly) Englebert of DePere, WI. He is also survived by his 11 grandchildren, Elle, Pierce and Ty Johnson; Becky (Kenny) Wooddell, Kasey (Evan) Gillmore and Luke Englebert; Jack, Matt and Elise Strevell; Noah and Brenna Englebert; and three great-grandchildren, Elijah and Wesley Wooddell and Abi Gillmore. Jim is reunited in heaven with his wife, Peggy, who went to the Lord in 2021.

Jim was larger than life and it’s hard to imagine a world without him. It’s a nearly impossible task to sum up his life succinctly, but, in an attempt to do so, four descriptors guide the endeavor – service, generosity, strength and story telling.

Jim’s life of service began with his enlistment in the Air Force (1954-58) where he was stationed mainly in the Philippines and Washington D.C. An abbreviated list of his involvement includes: Board of Directors of the Lincoln Farmers Association, Assessor, Chairman of the Township of Two Rivers, Manitowoc County Board, Board of Adjustment, Mishicot School Board, Manitowoc County Pork Producers, Town of Two Rivers Volunteer Fire Department and Westshore Sportsman Club. All of his community service was defined by his desire to serve his Lord, his family and his community.

This life of service stems from a deep and enduring spirit of generosity. He was not only generous with his time and talent, he shared his treasure as well. Though he built a very successful farm, he had no desire for material possessions. He was much more gratified to use his success to benefit others. He gave many anonymous donations to those in need in his community. About 20 years ago Jim and Peggy asked their children to stop buying them gifts, and instead donate that money to someone in need and volunteer their time to worthy causes. Thus began a Christmas Eve tradition of each child recounting what they had done for others in honor of their parents. Many tears were shed during these sessions, but Jim and Peg wanted to impress upon their grandchildren that giving is far better than receiving.

Not a small man, Jim was a strong physical presence. In fact, one of his nephews once asked if he was a giant. The answer to that question is most definitely yes, he was a giant in strength of character and morality. His word was his bond. He could be unquestionably counted on. His faith informed his every action. What Would Jesus Do (WWJD) were words that Jim lived by, but we can all do equally as well following the ideal of What Would Jim Do.

Jim was a master storyteller. Some of the stories he told may even have held a kernel of truth. He knew how to capture an audience and deliver a joke. Even in his last hours he was sharing a joke with his brother-in-law about how he once got twice as much snow as his neighbor across the street. When asked how this was possible, he quipped, he has 200 acres and I have 400. He loved to entertain and was well-known around town. He visited many local establishments and always met a friend, some of them he even knew beforehand. When his children accompanied him, they were invariably told by at least one person what a great guy Jim was. There was universal agreement to that.

He loved deeply and was deeply loved. The world is less bright without him, but heaven has gained another star.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 31, 2025 at Hope Community Church, 4408 County Rd. B, Manitowoc. Pastor Jed Manders will officiate at the memorial service with military graveside honors immediately following the service at the church by members of VFW Post #7753 of Mishicot.

The family will greet relatives and friends at Hope Church, Saturday, May 31st from 9:00 until 11:00 a.m. There will be no Friday evening visitation.

Online condolence messages may be shared at LambertEckert.com.

Lambert-Eckert Funeral Home of Mishicot is assisting the Englebert family with funeral arrangements.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the wonderful caregivers of Aurora Hospice for their compassionate care and kindness. Your support is greatly appreciated.