James A. Lownik

James A. Lownik, born April 26, 1931 in Richland Center, WI to Leo and Lola (Nicks) Lownik, passed away on April 23, 2016, at the age of 84. He was a graduate of Richland Center High School, class of 1949. He then attended Marquette University School of Dentistry and graduated in 1954. While at Marquette, he met Mary Kauffman, a dental hygiene student from Hillsboro, WI. They married August 21, 1954, and following Jim’s Air Force duty in New Jersey they located in Wisconsin Rapids in 1957 where Jim practiced dentistry for the next forty years.

Jim and Mary resided in Wisconsin Rapids for 51 years and were active members of St. Vincent de Paul Parish, strong supporters of Assumption High School, and felt that Wisconsin Rapids was an ideal town to raise their seven sons.

Throughout the years, Jim pursued many hobbies, with beekeeping one of the least successful. His lifelong passions were traveling with Mary, reading, gardening, and golfing with his many friends and family at Bulls Eye Country Club. Highlights of his golf career included 3 holes-in-one, shooting his age while golfing with a grandson, and taking a trip to Scotland in 1998 with his seven sons to play many of the British Open courses. Jim also provided for the people of St. Joseph Parish in Bonneau, Haiti, through monetary donations, delivery of vital supplies, and delivery of dental services, as well as being instrumental in organizing ongoing aid projects for the community.

Preceded in death by his wife, Mary, his parents, and brother, Leo.

Jim is survived by his sister, Mary Weickgenant, of Minneapolis, MN and his children, Greg (Lisa) of Cedarburg; Steve (Sharon) of Brookfield; Dave (Pam) of Hales Corners; Doug (Joan) of Beloit; Ned (Kathy) of Muskego; Tom (Joni) of Austin, TX; Dan (Joyce) of Oak Creek. Further survived by 13 grandchildren, 5 step grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild, and 3 step great-grandchildren.

Visitation Saturday, April 30 from 10:30 AM until 12:45 PM at St. Mary Parish, 9520 W. Forest Home Ave., Hales Corners, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 1:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Assumption High School or St. Mary Hales Corners – Haiti Project appreciated.