James Leroy Christilaw

James L. Christilaw, 96, of Oshkosh, passed away peacefully Saturday, June 23, 2012 at Sterling House in Oshkosh. He was born in Ashley, North Dakota on November 26, 1915 to the late Harvey James and Jennie (Fuller) Christilaw. Jim graduated from Oshkosh High School in 1933 and proceeded to work in the Civilian Conservation Corps. He was drafted into the Army Air Corps where he was stationed in New Guinea during World War II.On August 26, 1950 he married Elaine J. Hedtke at Grace Lutheran Church in Oshkosh. He worked for Dunphy boat as a woodworker until the business closed. He then worked at UW-Oshkosh until his retirement in 1981. Jim and Elaine loved to square dance with The Timber Toppers and go square dance camping with Dave and Barb Reabe. He also loved to fish and hunt with his brother-in-law, Rob. Jim was an avid Brewer and Packer fan.In 1980, Jim and Elaine founded a Veterans Reunion with the men who served alongside Jim in the Army Air Corps, which turned into an annual event. Each year there would be a different host city starting in Harrisburg, PA, continuing to other cities around the country. This is a tradition that continues to this day with the next generation of sons and daughters of the veterans.James is survived by his seven daughters: Karen (Bill) Larson and her sons, Christopher and Matthew Brown; Jan (Jeff) Dorner and children: Jason (Sunshine and baby) Duex, Kellen (Jenny) Dorner and son Jackson, Bethany and Mera Dorner; Denise (Eddie) Belfeuil and children: Lisa (Chris) Hunt and sons Kyle and Adam, Beth Belfeuil and sons Alec Harrah and Brett and Cody Schmitz, Josh Belfeuil and daughters Aubrie and Kira; Kim (Pat) Helbling and children: Jeremy (Lisa) Helbling and daughter Stella, Angela (Dan) Gibbs and children Joey and Lizzie; Joby Proctor (friend Bob) and daughter Marie (John) Knudtson and children Cliff and Kassie; Gail Christilaw; Lori Christilaw. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law: Joan Christilaw and Margie Hedtke; brothers-in-law: Don (Joan) Hedtke and Jerry (Mary Kay) Hedtke. Also survived by nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.James was preceded in death by his beloved wife Elaine, his parents and 5 siblings Ruth (Harold) Miller, Jack (Greta) Christilaw, Jean (Don) Seiberlich, Betty (Jacques) Koppen and Alan Christilaw.Relatives and friends may pay their respects on Thursday, June 28, 2012 from 2:00 PM until the time of service at 5:30 PM at Konrad-Behlman Funeral Home (Westside) with the Reverend Mark Wilkens officiating. Burial will be held at Lakeview Memorial Cemetery, 2786 Algoma Boulevard in Oshkosh at 9:30 AM on Friday, June 29, 2012.The family would like to thank the staff at Heartland Hospice for their attentive care these last few months. We would especially like to thank the devoted girls of Sterling House for caring about our father and treating him with compassion and respect.

Konrad-Behlman Funeral Home - Westside



100 Lake Pointe Drive
Oshkosh
WI
54904

Thursday, June 28, 2012
2:00 pm to 5:30 p.m.



Lake View Memorial Park



2786 Algoma Blvd
Oshkosh
WI
54901