James “Jake” Edward Nechkash Sr., age 82, passed away suddenly on May 21, 2026. He was born on June 22, 1943, in Berlin, to the late Louis Dudley and Freida (Ninnemann) Nechkash.

Jake proudly served his country in the United States Army National Guard. He completed Infantry training with Company C, First Battalion, First Training Brigade at Fort Jackson from March 22, 1965, through May 14, 1965. During his service, Jake courageously stepped forward whenever duty called, including during periods of riots and civil unrest. His time in the military helped shape the hardworking, resilient, and dependable man his family knew and loved throughout his life.

Jake was a man with an unmatched work ethic, famously known for “busting his butt” every single day. He dedicated 44 years of hard work to the City of Appleton while also maintaining and working daily on his beloved farm.

An enthusiast of anything with an engine, Jake loved working on vehicles, fixing things up, and staying busy with his hands. He took pride in being the person others could count on and even created his own repair cards reading:

“JAKE’S REPAIR — ‘I’ll Fix It!’ Farm, Auto & Lawn Equipment.”

If something was broken, chances were Jake could fix it.

Beyond the hard work, Jake found true peace and happiness in nature, animals, and especially horses. His love for horses became a major part of his life, and he proudly served as President of the Horse Trail Riders Club.

Alongside his grit and determination, Jake carried a legendary sense of humor. Even in his final days, he was still cracking jokes and bringing smiles and laughter to everyone around him.

Jake also treasured the unforgettable bond he shared with his “Three Musketeers” — his brother-in-law Whitey Martin and dear lifelong friend Jim Grant. The three shared decades of friendship, laughter, and memories that will live on.

Above all else, Jake cherished his family deeply and treasured every moment spent with his large and loving family.

Jake is survived by his children Brenda Bruhn (Renee Younk), James Nechkash Jr., and Wanda Nechkash; stepchildren Debra (Rodger) Giddings and Vicky Walsh; grandchildren Natasha Lee, Eva Franklin, Cheyenne (Drake) Fischer, Dakota Nechkash, James, Molly, John, Melanie, and Paul Giddings, Zachary (Katherine) Knackstedt, and Aaron and Erik Walsh; great-grandchildren Nolan DeBroux, Hunter Diedrick, Norah Franklin, Katelynn Piette, Hayden, Abel, and Marissa “George” Fischer; siblings Phyllis (Bob) Kiersten, Buck (Janice) Nechkash, Tom (Marcie) Nechkash, JoAnn Datta, Carol (Bob) Dych, Katherine (Jeff) Bartlett, and Chuck Nechkash; along with many other loving family members and friends.

Jake was preceded in death by his parents, Louis Dudley and Freida Nechkash; his daughter, Michell Nechkash; his stepson, JK; grandson Little Jake; siblings William and Pete Nechkash, Rosie Davis, Donna Nordmark, and Mary Cutter; and his wives, Darlene Martin and Val Nechkash.

Funeral services for Jake will be held Friday, May 29, 2026, at Cline & Hanson Funeral Home in New London, Wisconsin. Visitation will take place from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., with services beginning at 11:00 a.m. Rev. Seth Dorn will officiate the service. A luncheon and dish-to-pass gathering will follow at Jake’s home.