James Palkowski

James John Palkowski, age 65, of Buffalo City, WI, passed away at home surrounded by family after a 4 year long, hard-fought, and courageous battle with bladder and bone cancer. He gave cancer everything he had, fighting with strength and determination, and is now at peace, free from pain.

Jim was born to Roman and Loretta (Przybilla) Palkowski and grew up on a century-held family farm that was originally purchased by Jim’s grandpa and great uncle, August and Max Palkowski. He graduated from Cochrane-Fountain City High School in 1979, where he and the love of his life, Lisa Haney, were crowned Homecoming King and Queen — a sweet foreshadowing of the life they would later share. He excelled in football and baseball in high school winning several Dairyland conference awards. He went on to graduate as a diesel mechanic from Western Wisconsin Technical Institution in 1981.

Jim and Lisa married on July 9, 1983 at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Independence, WI. Together, they built a home on Haney-owned prairie land near the “Tri-oval” race track. Married for 42 years, they had two children, Nickolas James Michael Palkowski and Kelly Elizabeth Palkowski. Jim took pride in cheering for his children at their various school, sport, and FFA activities. He was especially proud of the time he spent coaching Nick’s Little League teams.

He worked as a skilled mechanic his entire life — beginning at Rich’s Truck Service, then Eckel’s Implement (Johnson Tractor), and Arcadia Implement — before finding his professional home at the Buffalo County Highway Department. There, Jim worked as a mechanic, a parts man, and later as the shop foreman for 27 years, retiring with the respect and admiration of his coworkers.

Outside of work, Jim enjoyed the outdoors. He loved hunting and working on the family farm in Waumandee as well as fishing and boating at “the land” on Lake Holcombe, WI.

Jim had many farm adventures and mischievous childhood tales, like the time he and his brother Jerome found a snake and threw it at his sister Nancy, which wrapped around her like a nice new necklace. Then in his teenage years he liked to joke that “a few too many cars didn’t survive” thanks to unexpected cows in the road or a bridge that “just got in the way.” He was a loyal friend, a “partner in crime” to many, and never shied away from hard work, whether it was helping on the farm, assisting a neighbor, or pitching in on family/farm projects.

Jim found particular joy in working the fields or fixing the machinery not only on the family farms but on the Ellis, Kamrowski, and Bechly local farms. He especially cherished the view of the Mississippi River and the wildlife from his Buffalo City home, though he often said he wished he’d had more time to enjoy pontoon rides, fishing, and kayaking.

He leaves behind his beloved wife and children: Nickolas (Ariel) and stepdaughter Arissa of Roscoe, IL, and Kelly, of Chicago, IL; mother, Loretta (Przybilla) Palkowski; sister, Nancy (Danny) Suchla, and their children: Becky (Paul), Bob (Cindy) and children Jaidyn and Addisyn, Jenny (Dave) and children Maverick and Kashton; brother, Jerome (Margie) and children Jamie (Wes) and children Skylar and Madison, McKenna and son Axel, Billie Jo, and Kayla (Branden); brother, Ron (Sandy) and their children Kyle (Jamie) and children Emma, Landon, Jasper, Skylar, Penelope, Blayke, and Miley, Matt (Lucy) and son Wade, Kendra (Jake) and children Finley, Jepsen, and Ryler; brother, Mike (Julie) and their children Danielle, Lucas, Abby, and Jake; sister, Michelean (Mike) Prokop and their children Cameron (Morgan), Zane (Kianna).

Jim is also survived by his In-laws: Francis and Doris (Merchlewitz) Haney, Lynn (Haney) children Dalton (Brandi) Cothron and Sydney Cothron, Lori (Tom) Beckendorf and children Amanda, Mitch (Morgan) and children Landon and Liam, Nicole (Nate) and many nieces, nephews, cousins.

He is preceded in death by his father, Roman Palkowski, brother-in-law, Michael Haney, grandparents, John and Elizabeth Przybilla, and August and Mary Palkowski; and many aunts and uncles.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Gundersen Oncology (Dr. Ojelabi and team), Gundersen Palliative Care (Kelly Lay and team), Joanie and Dawn (former care coordinator), Radiation Oncology (Dr. Driscoll and team), the hospital palliative care staff (Colin and Jasmine),  and all the nurses and staff who treated Jim with compassion. Thank you for the compassionate care that Moments Hospice gave, especially Benji, Paige, Ashley, and Patrick. Special thanks also goes to the many family and friends who visited, called, ran errands, and helped with chores during his illness.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Waumandee Rippley Hall from 3pm-7pm on Thursday, August 28th. Family and friends are invited to join in remembering Jim.

Jim’s life was taken way too early. Even though he fought like hell and wanted to beat the shit out of cancer he left many beloved projects for his family unfinished — including in his final months being unable to attend his son’s wedding and his daughter’s multiple travel adventures and a new life in Chicago.

“Happy Hunting in Heaven, Jim. We’ll see you again, I hope you are sitting at your favorite slot machine, smiling down on all of us.”