James R. Krischel

James “Jim” R. Krischel, 87, of Wenona, passed away May 7, 2023 in OSF St. James Medical Center in Pontiac.

Mass of Christian burial will be 11:00 AM Thursday in St. Mary’s Church in Wenona with the Franciscian Friars officiating.  Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Wenona.  Visitation will be in the church on Thursday from 9:00 AM until time of services.  The Hurst Funeral Home in Wenona is entrusted with Jim’s funeral services.

Jim was born in Rutland on August 23, 1935 to Willard and Marie (Brennan) Krischel.  He served in the United States National Guard for 2 years.  He married Elaine Stenzel on August 23, 1958.  He worked at the grain elevator in Wenona for over 42 years.

Jim was well known in the area as “Mr. Fix-it.” He could fix anything like lawn mowers, washing machines, dryers and any motors.  Although he was very busy fixing things, he always made time for his family.  He loved farming and was an avid gardener.  He was a member of St. Mary’s Church.

Jim is survived by his wife Elaine; seven children, James (Kerri) Krischel of Effingham, John (Laura) Krischel of Wenona, Robert (Jane) Krischel of Wenona, William (Maria) Krischel of Port Orchard, WA, Judith Vitale of Dana, Janet (Martin) Wiesbrock of Leonore and Jeffrey (Amy) Krischel of Warrenville; seventeen grandchildren, Bradley, Adam, Kaylee, Steve, Nicole, Ashley, Nathan, Jared, Michelle, Jacqueline, Jenna, Augustus, Guinevere, Abraham, Addison, Duncan and Jocelyn; two great-grandsons, Andrew and Ashton.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a son-in-law John Vitale, two brothers, Raymond and Ronald Krischel. 

Pallbearers will be his grandsons, Bradley, Adam, Steve, Nathan, Jared, Augustus, Abraham and Duncan.

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