James Patrick Koltes

James Patrick Koltes , 89 of Waunakee, was born December 10, 1934, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison, WI, to Harry and Lillian (Oncken) Koltes. He grew up in Waunakee, WI, when its population was barely 1000. Little Jimmy would often walk down the street to visit with his grandmother Josie Koltes. He cherished chatting with her about family and Waunakee matters. In 1952, he graduated from Waunakee High School. Four years later, Jim earned a Bachelor of Science degree from UW-Madison. He went on to teach economics at high schools in Sheboygan, the Madison area, and Dubuque, IA. After obtaining a Master of Science in Teaching History degree at UW-Platteville in 1971, Jim returned to Waunakee to work for the family business – Koltes Lumber Company. In the 1980’s, together with Kathy Van Sistine, Jim historically reenacted the lives of local author Ella Wheeler Wilcox and her brother Marcus Wheeler. Locally known as the “unofficial Waunakee historian,” he had a lifelong passion for his family’s history and enjoyed sharing his vast historical knowledge with others. During his lifetime, Jim travelled extensively to 146 different foreign countries. He cared for his aging mother at home a long time after she became ill. Jim also enjoyed tending his summer flowers and tomatoes, attending opera and music concerts, and adult coloring books. Jim was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Schaenzer, brother Joseph Koltes and nephew Steven Schaenzer. He is survived by nieces Susan Schaenzer, Polly Koltes, Wendy Koltes, and Abby Koltes, along with nephew, Michael Schaenzer, all of whom knew him affectionately as “Uncle Jimmy.”

Funeral services will be held on Friday, Nov. 1, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Peace Lutheran Church 701 S. Century Ave. Waunakee. Friends may call at the church on Friday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services. Burial will take place at 2:00 p.m. at Lakeview Cemetery in Madison.

Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com

Winn-Cress Funeral Home

5785 Hwy Waunakee