James Kronschnabel

James “Jim” Anthony Kronschnabel, age 83 of Harrisville passed away Wednesday, November 29, 2023 along with his wife, Jane as a result of an automobile accident.  Jim was born in Oshkosh on July 4, 1940 to Anthony and Virgina (Kuettel) Kronschnabel.  After graduating from high school in Oshkosh he furthered his education at UW-Oshkosh where he met Jane Slaby.  The two were united in marriage on August 22, 1964 in Algoma and one year later Jim received his Bachelor of Science degree in Forestry from Michigan Tech.  Together they moved to Harrisville in 1967 and raised two sons.

Jim served his country as a member of the US Army National Guard.  He worked as forester and deputy game warden for Marquette and Green Lake Counties; Jim retired after a 35 year career with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.  For several years after this, he continued his career of conservation with his own private forestry service.  He was an avid gardener, reader, and also enjoyed hunting and fishing as well as woodworking.  Jim served on the Harris Town Board for many years.  He will be remembered for his love of nature, kind demeanor, and tremendous sense of humor; always brightening a room with a story or a joke.  Everyone who met him quickly realized what a great, dependable and friendly man that he was.  His wife Jane would often accuse him of being cheap, but, in reality, he was simply frugal AND cheap.  This was his lifestyle for himself only though; in fact he was always generous, especially with his time and support.  In later years he spent much of his time spoiling his grandchildren.

Jim is survived by his two sons: Nick (significant other, Ellen Barron) of Harrisville and Mathew (Dianna) of Westfield as well as two very special grandchildren:  Hannah and Macallister James.  He is also survived by two brothers:  Joe (Linda) and Jeff (Jolene), brother-in-law, Terry Miller as well as other extended family members. 

Jim is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Cathy Miller.

A Celebration of Life for James and Jane Kronschnabel will be held on Sunday, December 17, 2023 from 12:00 until 5:00 PM at the Harrisville Sportsman’s Club.  They will be laid to rest privately at the Sheldon Cemetery, Town of Harris with full military honors for Jim.  In lieu of flowers, please go plant a tree in memory of Jim and buy a child a book in memory of Jane. 

Crawford Funeral and Cremation Service of Montello and Oxford is honored to be serving the family.  www.CrawfordFH.com