James C Stilen, age 88, passed away Tuesday, April 4, 2023, at ThedaCare Medical Center, Neenah, Wisconsin, after a long battle with Myasthenia Gravis.  James Charles Stilen was born in the Town of Liberty, on October 18, 1934, to the late George and Ruth (Palmer) Stilen. He graduated from Clintonville high school, and for a short time worked at Behnke's Cheese Factory, before enlisting in the U.S. Navy where he was a Machinist's Mate. Upon discharge, he held the rank of Petty Officer. He married Verna M. Finger on April 23, 1960, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Bear Creek WI, and together they raised 5 children.  He started his work career at Theda Clark Hospital in Neenah, in the maintenance department, before moving onto New London Community Hospital as head of Maintenance until his retirement.  Up until his retirement, he also had the full-time side job of farming, which consisted of raising pigs and crops with a few beef cattle thrown in.

In his younger years, he enjoyed hunting and fishing with his brother-in-law, Sonny Vollmer.  He also liked to "tinker" with things, from tractors to restoring old cars, building his own saw mill and building his own firewood processor. If he didn't have a part, he would make it. That resourceful, inventive attitude he passed onto his children.  He might not have always said it, but the love for his family showed in everything he did.

He is survived by his wife Verna, of almost 63 years; his children, Frank (Kris) Stilen, Al (Kay) Stilen, Larry (fiancé Carol Koplein) Stilen, Linda (Dan) Gretzinger and Kathy (Shawn) Bazile; 9 grandchildren, Amanda (Cory) Henrickson, Joey (Bergetta) Stilen, Andy (Mary) Stilen, Josh (Brittany) Stilen, Jeremiah Stilen, Jamie Bernard, April (Bryan) Langhoff, Justin (Kaylynn) Gretzinger and Bridget Bazile, along with 15 great grandchildren;  siblings, George Stilen Jr. and Tom (Violet) Stilen;  In-laws, Karen (Don) Sorenson, Eunice Lehman, Joan Christenson and Sister Michelle Finger. He is further survived by many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Ruth; sister, Laverne (in childhood); sister, Marian and husband Ted Doehling; in-laws, Marion and Almira Finger; sisters-in-law and brothers-in law, Duane and Maude Finger, Leon and Carol Finger, Bernice and Sonny Vollmer, Jim Lehman, Leroy Christenson, Christine Stilen, Diane Stilen and Janet Stilen.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Jim will be held at 11:00 am, on Thursday, April 13, 2023, at St Mary's Catholic Church, Bear Creek, with Fr. Simon Minyati officiating. Visitation will be held at the Cline & Hanson Funeral Home, New London, on Wednesday, April 12, 2023, from 4-8 pm and also at the church on Thursday from 10:00 am until the time of Mass.  Full military rights to follow at the parish cemetery.

The family would like to thank the many relatives and friends for their support during this trying time. The family wishes to also extend a special thank you to everyone who helped Jim during his illness, especially Missy Kasson for her willingness to help at any time.  Further thanks are given to the staff at ThedaCare Medical Center in Neenah for the professional and personable care given.