James H. Zirtzlaff

James Harvey Zirtzlaff received the gift of eternal life on Wednesday December 6 at the age of 82. Jim was born on January 17, 1941 to Harvey and Arlin (nee Behrens) Zirtzlaff. Jim grew up in Cedarburg, Wisconsin and was well known throughout the community for the love and pride he had of his historical hometown. Taking walks with his dogs and visiting with friends in the downtown shops was a daily event for Jim and he always looked forward to taking in a Movie at the Rivoli Showhouse. Jim could always be found chatting with friends and making new ones at the many festivals Cedarburg had to offer and he never wanted to miss a County Fair or Maxwell Street Days held at the Firemen’s Park. Jim was a lifelong member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Cedarburg where he was Baptized and Confirmed.

Jim was a hard worker and took pride in his work and accomplishments. As a young boy Jim enjoyed visiting and helping on the family farm in the town of Cedarburg, helping bale hay was one of his favorite jobs on the farm. When he and his parents lived in an apartment on main street, Jim would shovel after a snowfall or clear the leaves out of the gutters leaving a safe pathway for others. As a young adult Jim had many work experiences including mowing the lawn at a local cemetery, shoveling snow at Cedarburg High School as well as a variety of jobs while at Portal Industries. In 1966 Jim obtained a job and held the position of Janitor at Amcast/Metamold where he made many life-long friends and ultimately retired from in 2005.

Throughout his life Jim enjoyed vacation and traveling with his parents. Jim enjoyed reminiscing about his travels fishing in Northern Wisconsin, trips out East and out West, and as far as Florida and Canada, being able to travel by train was a huge bonus.

In his retirement, Jim continued to enjoy his walks downtown Cedarburg visiting old friends. He never turned down an offer to take a ride around town, through the country or up to Port Washington, remembering and sharing stories of places and people and memories he had. Jim took up Teddy Bear collecting and had a story for each one. Watching Westerns or Lawrence Welk on TV or playing records brought him joy. Bringing joy to others by sending greeting cards to those he loved and cared about throughout the year was a priority in his life.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents Harvey and Arlin Zirtzlaff. He is further survived by many cousins and friends throughout his church family and the community.

The family of Jim would like to thank the staff at the Lasata Campus including the Heights and Care Center for all they did to provide Jim with a safe caring environment during his time there. To Home Instead for helping us provide Jim with In- Home assistance and companionship over the years and introducing Jim to his very special friend and caregiver Greg. Also to Allay Hospice for all they did to support Jim and our family during this past year.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, December 12, 2023 – 2:00 PM at Immanuel Lutheran Church W61 N498 Washington Ave. Cedarburg. Interment Immanuel Cemetery. Visitation at the church on Tuesday from 1:00 PM – 1:45 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Immanuel Lutheran Church are appreciated.