James Liethen

James Liethen's many years of service to the community came to an end on Friday, December 21, 2018, at the age of 91, with his wife by his side.

Jim was born in Appleton, the oldest of three boys. He attended St. Joseph's grade school and went on to graduate from Appleton High School in May of 1945. He then served in the US Navy until his honorable discharge. Jim then went onto Marquette University where he graduated with a degree in business administration . Upon graduation, he joined the family business (Liethen Feeds Corporation) in Appleton as an accountant. Jim was an active member of the Appleton Jaycees and later served the Green Bay Jaycees as President.

In 1958, Jim moved to Green Bay to join the finance department with Wisconsin Public Service Corporation. This is when he started his long affiliation with the YMCA with various activities such as playing handball, running and fit for life class.

Jim met Mardell "Marty" Wellner, whom he married at St. Willebrord Church in April of 1967. Soon after, Jim was promoted at WPS and the couple moved to Milwaukee where their first son, was born. In 1972, the family moved back to Green Bay and had three more children.
Jim was employed at Wisconsin Public Service, where he served on the Board of Directors and as Senior Vice President of Finance. He retired after 35 years of service. He served on the Board of Directors at People's Marine Bank for many years.

Jim was an active volunteer in the Green Bay community giving both of his time and financial expertise to a wide range of organizations. He successfully led the United Way Fundraising Campaign in 1966, was a charter member of the Heritage Hill Board, a member of the Green Bay Diocesan Finance Committee, Bay Area Community Council, American Foundation of Counseling Services, Greater Green Bay Foundation, UWGB Ecumenical Center, Friends of St. Mary's Hospital Foundation, Unity Hospice, Integrated Community Services, Green Bay Symphony board, Green Bay YMCA board and a long time member of the Friends of the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary. He also gave of his time assisting low income families with their income tax returns. Jim enjoyed attending the Retired Men's Club meetings for many years. He was an active parishoner at St. Bernard Parish and served on their Finance Committee. In his spare time he enjoyed bowling, golfing, and the many friends he met through these activities.

Jim is survived by his wife Marty, three sons David (Marcia), Green Bay, Matthew (Mary Carol) Naperville IL, Charles (Mary) Cary IL and one daughter, Jennifer in Rochester MN. Grandchildren include Sarah, Brendan, Katie and Maggie Liethen and step-grandchildren, Luke and Ben Gulbrand, Kendra Lewis along with step great grandchildren, Ella and Griffin Andrews. He also leaves a sister-in-law, Marjorie Wellner, and nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Stella (Dohr) Liethen and his brothers Mark and Richard Liethen, one brother-in-law Warren Wellner and sister-in-law, Pat Liethen.

The family will greet friends at Newcomer - Green Bay Chapel on Friday December 28th from 4 pm - 7 pm. Friends can also gather starting at 9:00 am on Saturday, December 29th at St. Bernard Church in Green Bay until the time of funeral at 11:00 am. Entombment will be at the Shrine of the Good Shepard Chapel Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers please make donations on Jim's behalf to one of the following organizations: Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary, YMCA, or Heritage Hill.

Jim's family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Allouez Parkside Village and Unity Hospice for the loving care given to him.