James C. Romel

obit template2018-11-29T12:10:12+00:00

James C.
Romel

James C. Romel found his final peace and comfort, and rejoined his beloved Mary Ann, early Tuesday morning, May 11, 2021 at the age of 82.  Those who know Jim will not be surprised to learn that he wrangled his ultimate departure to his terms, his plan, his requirements…no matter what mid-course changes his health threw at him along the way.

Jim was a fixer…engines, transmissions, cars, lawn mowers, boat motors (he rebuilt his three times), sheet metal, cupolas…you name it, he could fix it.  He always said, proudly, that he grew up at the ‘best time for a kid to grow up” experiencing his teens through the 1950’s and attending Bay View High School…as did the future Mrs. Romel.

He enjoyed working at Milwaukee Forge for 34 years and always relished the chance to tell Forge stories or recount in entertaining detail the ‘antics’ of his co-workers. Equally entertaining were Jim’s retellings of the many adventures he and Mary and family and friends had over the years aboard his boat, the Mary A-1.  He also enjoyed his many ‘post-retirement’ years, and co-workers, at the City of St. Francis Recycling Center.

Jim is survived by his daughter Sharon (Chris) Fox and son Steven Romel; his grandchildren Andrew Fox, James (Danielle) Fox and Ryan Romel; and his brother Christopher (Sharon) Romel. He is further survived by brother-in law Frank, Jr. (Gloria) Glowinski and sister-in-law Elaine (Gary) Woodie, as well as nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his beautiful Mary Ann (Glowinski); his father Chester V. Romel and mother Helen R. (Jakubowski) Witkowski; his parents-in-law Frank, Sr. and Ester (Koceja) Glowinski; and in-laws Larry and Carol (Glowinski) Miller.

In line with his wishes, a private interment will take place at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery in Cudahy, WI.

9 Comments

  1. Paul Bruce May 14, 2021 at 5:31 pm - Reply

    RIP Jim. You were a wonderful man and because of you and others like you. I couldn’t wait to get to work ai Milwaukk Forge!

  2. John Willms May 14, 2021 at 6:00 pm - Reply

    Steve,

    Mo and I are sorry for your loss. Your dad was a great guy and we always loved talking with him at Ryan’s parties. I always enjoyed starting early at the Forge so I could catch up with him, he was one of a kind and I still share the stories of working with him.

  3. Steve Pauley May 14, 2021 at 10:48 pm - Reply

    Steve and family, So sorry for your loss, enjoyed working with your father. Good guy, one of a kind.

  4. John Quirk May 16, 2021 at 10:17 am - Reply

    Growing up and hanging out with Steve, Mr Romel always gave me valuable life advice. In addition to being a fixer, he was a life philosopher. I loved talking with your Dad. My condolences Steve, Sharon and family but remember you always have the memories.

  5. Joe Eiche May 17, 2021 at 5:15 pm - Reply

    Rest In Peace Jimmy. My most favorite memory of him, although maybe not so pc, was his favorite term for all of us supervisors at the forge “Penisaurus Rex’s”. God bless.

  6. Mike Rtan May 17, 2021 at 5:24 pm - Reply

    So very sorry for the loss of the Romel family. Every time I was at their home he was always such a very nice man.

  7. Dave Gilbreath May 17, 2021 at 8:17 pm - Reply

    To Jim’s family sorry for your loss Jim was quite a guy I’ve had the pleasure to work with him and Steve at the forge then I was also lucky enough to work with jim for the city of st Francis he was admired by all the guys that got to sit in the recycling center and listen to his many stories he was a great man and will be missed

  8. Paul Miller May 25, 2021 at 8:54 am - Reply

    Uncle Jim will always hold a special place in our family’s hearts. He and Aunt Mary were always very warm, giving and especially kind. We enjoyed many happy hours up-north visiting with Uncle Jim and Aunt Mary along with many other fond memories. Rest in peace…Love Paul (Miller), Mary and family

  9. Curt marsolek May 21, 2024 at 7:49 pm - Reply

    Jim was one of my best high school buddies. We ran track together and played football at Bay View High School. He loved automobiles and other vehicles. I remember when he purchased a motorcycle and came over to my house to give me a ride. Not knowing anything about motorcycles, I burned my leg on the muffler. That was the last time I rode on a motorcycle. Jim also had an old Plymouth Coupe that we used to ride around in. We had to pool our money for gas many times. Most of the time we could scratch together $3.00, which would get us about 10 gallons. Gasoline sold for about 32 cents per gallon at the time. Those were the days my friend. May you RIP my friend.

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