James Leroy Didier

James "JD" L. Didier, 86, peacefully passed into the hands of our loving Lord and back into the arms of his beloved wife, Leona, on September 19, 2024, with his family by his side. He was born in Chicago, IL, on July 29, 1938, to George and Mabel Didier.

During his high school summers, JD worked at Pine Ridge Resort in Stone Lake, WI, as a fishing guide. It was there that he met the love of his life, a cabin girl named Leona Dostal. On their third date, Leona said, 'Let’s get married!' and James' feet started 'smokin' because he couldn’t get down the aisle fast enough. In 1957, James graduated from Spooner High School, sailed on the Great Lakes, and studied Morse code at telegraphy school. On August 9, 1958, James and Leona were married and began their life together in Spooner, WI, where they raised four children and shared 63 wonderful years of marriage.

JD worked in the grocery business for 42 years, starting as a carry-out boy and working his way up to manager. He also held various other jobs, including driving a bread truck for Master Bread Co., playing guitar for 35 years in a country-western band, serving as an EMT, and being an active member of the Knights of Columbus for 12 years, 8 of which he served as Grand Knight.

In his free time, JD was an avid fisherman, often taking to the waters with his boat ‘Musky Lou’ in pursuit of the perfect catch. He also enjoyed hunting, woodworking, watching the Packers, tending to his large vegetable garden, and he would never turn down a competitive game of cards. JD loved entertaining with his guitar and often played at Pair O' Lakes Lodge and the Spooner Rodeo. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. A man of deep faith, JD cherished his family and will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his children: Brenda (Mark) Lindsay of Green Bay, Steve (Teresa) Didier of Las Vegas, Karen (Stan) Jensen of Appleton, and Martin (Sally) Didier of Menomonie; grandchildren: Michael Lindsay, Andrew (Kate) Lindsay, Andrea (Damian) Delavega-Dehaware, Mariana (Adam) Peers, Andrew Didier, Ashley Jensen, Aaron (Kristin) Jensen, Nicholas (Emma) Didier and Christopher Didier; great grandchildren: Melanie, Avery, Jay, Eloise, Madeline, Hilde and Lucia. Along with many nieces and nephews.

JD is preceded in death by his loving wife Leona, his parents, twin brother Martin Didier, sibling twins Howard and James Didier, Virginia Tyree, nephew Michael Tyree, and stepmother Helen Didier.

The funeral liturgy for James will take place on Saturday, October 19, 2024 at 11:00 am at St. Bernadette Catholic Church, 2331 E. Lourdes Dr. in Appleton with Fr. Joseph Dorner officiating. A visitation for James will begin at 9:00 am until 10:30am, when family and friends are welcome to pray the Rosary. Burial will be held on Sunday, October 20, 2024 at 11:00am at Evergreen Cemetery in Stone Lake, WI.

In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged and will be sent to charities that were important to JD.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to all the Ascension St. Elizabeth medical and nursing staff and Compassus hospice team in Appleton for the care and compassion shown to JD during his time of need.