James Pelot Obituary

James L. Pelot, age 85, of Wisconsin Rapids passed away Monday, September 22, 2025 at Aspirus Wisconsin Rapids Hospital.
Services will be at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, October 3, 2025 at Herman-Taylor Funeral Home. Deacon Tom Anderson will officiate. Visitation will be from 9:00 A.M. until the time of services on Friday at the funeral home.
Jim was born February 22, 1940 in Wisconsin Rapids to Stanley and Bertha (Salzmann) Pelot. He attended Mary Heart School in Auburndale and graduated from Pittsville High School. He served his country in the United States Army from 1958-1960 and was stationed in Germany.
Jim married Shirley Coenen on August 24, 1962 at SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Wisconsin Rapids. They were blessed with 63 years of marriage and six children: Michael, Dennis, Rebecca, Gary, Daniel, and Jamie.
Jim was a hardworking, industrious man, who owned his own concrete construction business and family farm. He dedicated countless hours of sweat and elbow grease tending to his land, raising pigs, chickens, cows, and making ample hay. His love for animals knew no bounds, evident in the hundreds of horses he raised and trained over the years. Jim's passion didn't end there. He was an avid sports enthusiast, coaching youth baseball for the Town of Seneca, Vesper, and Wisconsin Rapids communities, and playing softball himself. The winter months would find him enjoying the thrill of snowmobiling, while his evenings were often spent shooting pool in local leagues. Yet, his favorite pastime was watching his grandkids play football and basketball, spending countless hours on the bleachers at Lincoln High School, cheering them on.
His life was a testament to his unwavering dedication to his family and his community. His memory will live on in the hearts of all those he touched with his kindness, his humor, and his love.
Jim is survived by his loving wife, Shirley; six children: Michael (Natalie) Pelot of Wisconsin Rapids, Dennis (Sherry) Pelot of Tennessee, Rebecca Marschner of Mukwonago, Gary (Kristen Ciardi) Pelot of Elkhorn, Daniel (Jaime) Pelot of Wisconsin Rapids, and Jamie (Koreen) Pelot of Sun Prairie; 17 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and three brothers: Howard (Peggy) Pelot, Ken (Liz) Pelot, and Pat (Cheryl) Milow. He was preceded in death by his parents; step-father James Milow; sister Shirley Wittenberg, brother-in-law Gerald Wittenberg; brother Stanley Pelot; son-in-law Gerald Marschner; and grandson Nicholas Marschner.
Jim's family would like to thank Dr. Ferk, UW Cancer Center staff, Aspirus Wisconsin Rapids Hospital ICU staff, and Dr. Myers for the exceptional care he received.
Herman-Taylor Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the family.