James M. Rill

James Michael Rill, age 82, of Manawa, passed away on Sunday, May 12, 2024 at the Manawa Community Living Center. He was born in Milwaukee, son of the late John and Loretta (Sasada) Rill. Jim moved to Manawa in 1955. He graduated from Little Wolf High School in 1960. In 1967, he was united in marriage to Karen Meidam and they raised two boys: Brian (Samantha) Rill, and Michael (special friend Kara Ritchie) Rill. Jim served six years in the U.S. Army National Guard, two terms on the Manawa City Council, coached high school boys and girls basketball, volunteered for Meals on Wheels in Waupaca County and was honored as the Volunteer of the Year in 2020 by the Manawa Booster Club. Jim worked for various construction companies, the last being Quality Construction in Manawa where he retired in 2011. Over the years, he enjoyed attending his children's and grandchildren's sporting events, playing cards with his buddies on Monday mornings and visiting the casino. Through everything, Jim never lost his sense of humor. He always had a giving and loving heart.

He is survived by his wife Karen; sons: Brian (Samantha) Rill and Michael (special friend Kara Ritchie) Rill; grandchildren: Amanda Rill, Tyler Rill, Cassidy (Jay) Rill, Madison Rill, Chance Rill; step-grandchildren: Joey Young, Desiree Moeller-Springborn; great grandchild: Ashland Suehs; step great grandchild: Annalise Taylor; sisters: Joy Rill and Debra (Mark) Passehl; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Kathy (Donald) Boutwell, George (Sue) Meidam, Kris (Dave) Rice, Helen Meidam and Karla Jaeger. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his step-father Herbert Handrich; father-in-law and mother-in-law: George and Irene Meidam; sister: Janis McWey; brothers-in-law: Ken Meidam and Steve Jaeger.

A gathering of family and friends will be held at the Dahlke Life Celebration Center in Manawa on Saturday, May 18th from 9:30 to 11:15 followed by a Memorial Service at 11:30 with the Rev. Nathan Reichle officiating. Please dress casually or wear your favorite sports attire per Jim's request.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Manawa Booster Club or the Manawa Community Living Center.

Thank you to the Manawa Community Living Center, Theda Care Hospice, family and friends for their care and concern. Special thanks to Floyd Gerl for his many visits.

Perhaps they are not stars, but rather openings in heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy. Your loving family.