James Thunes

James Thunes passed away on Jan. 16, 2021, in the COVID unit of Luther Manor in Wauwatosa. Due to COVID-19, a private funeral for family will be held later in the year. In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation to your favorite charity. Jim was born March 5, 1930, to Jens and Caroline (nee Burger) Thunes. He graduated from Menominee High School and served in the Army during the Korean War. Jim married his high school sweetheart Marilyn Anita Waltonen on Dec. 27, 1950, and they had three children. Jim worked as a draftsman at Signal Electric Manufacturing Co. and Prescott Company in Menominee. He also played clarinet and accordion in a local dance band. He later moved to Green Bay, where he worked for 30 years at Paper Converting Machine Company. He and Marilyn retired to Legend Lake in Keshena, where he enjoyed fishing, working on the house and feeding the birds, squirrels and chipmunks. They later moved to Luther Manor in Wauwatosa, where they enjoyed many walks around the complex together until Marilyn’s death in 2013. After her death, Jim continued taking his daily walks and visiting residents. He was a member of Abiding Word Lutheran Church in Wauwatosa. Jim is survived by his children, Kerry (Wayne) Binnington, Jerry (Joyce) Thunes and James (Kathy) Thunes; grandchildren, Jamie Binnington, Arron (Nicole) Thunes, James Thunes, Celesta (Ryan) Milanowski, David (Emily) Thunes and Michael Thunes; great-grandchildren Caden and baby Thunes, Emberly and Kaisley Milanowski. He was preceded in death by his parents and beloved wife. Our whole family thanks the staff and caregivers at Luther Manor and Hospice for all of the great care they provided to Mom and Dad over the years.