James G. Follen

James Gerald Follen, 85, of Marshfield, passed away on Sunday, Sep. 10, 2023, at the House of the Dove in Marshfield.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, Sept. 15, 2023, at St. John Lutheran Church (10571 George Ave) in Auburndale. Pastors Mark Lundgren and Mark Krueger will co-officiate the service. Burial will follow in the Church Cemetery. Visitation will be at the church on Friday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m.

James was born on April 3, 1938, in Arpin, the son of Gerald and Gladys (Maxam) Follen. He graduated from Auburndale High School in 1956, and served in the Army National Guard from 1955-1962. On July 13, 1957, Jim was united in marriage to the love of his life, Loretta Tischendorf. They just recently celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary.

Jim was a member of St. John Lutheran Church, having served as a trustee, and devoted many hours to building the new church in 2003. He farmed for many years in Arpin, later employed by Georgia-Pacific Paper Mill in Port Edwards, retiring in 1996.

He enjoyed traveling in their RV, spending many winters in Arizona. His favorite trip was spending the summer of 2006 in Alaska with special friends, Jim and Marian Oelhafen. He enjoyed spending time at Buck Run Campground, which he and his family built on his land in Arpin.

Jim is lovingly survived by his wife, Loretta; children: Sandy (Terry) Marten, Randy (Sharon) Follen, Karleen (Pat) Pettis, Mike (Donna) Follen and Phyllis (Dave) Lehman.

He is further survived by his grandchildren: Travis, Nick, Josh and Andy Follen, Amanda Roehrborn, Ashley Pettis, Dustin and Chris Follen, Kyle Lehman and Stacy Genett; step-grandchildren: Joseph, Jayme and Jordan Marten, Janalee Velazquez and Patrick Pettis. He is also survived by 20 great-grandchildren; and 18 step-great-grandchildren; siblings, Patricia Nelson, Jon (Steph) Follen, Bob (Shirley) Follen and Dan (Marilyn) Follen.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his sister, Geraldine Schrofe; parents-in-law, Gus and Bernice Tischendorf; brothers-in-law, Percy Nelson and Jerry Tischendorf.

The family would like to thank the staff at Compassus Home Hospice and the House of the Dove for the loving care, kindness and compassion shown to Jim.

Memorials may be designated in Jim’s name to The Highground in Neillsville.

Online condolences may be made at www.hansenschillingfuneralhome.com for your convenience.

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