James D. Zirkel

James D. Zirkel passed away unexpectedly on October 15, 2009. Jim was a bright star in our lives with positive energy and a big smile for everyone he knew and met. Jim was ""Mr. Can Do."" As husband, father and grandfather, he was ever the eternal optimist, bringing out the best in everyone. He brought an infectious joy of life to family, friends, and to his many vocational and civic endeavors including directorship of the YMCA, involvement in Sports for Active Seniors, participation in Senior Olympics, organizing euchre tournaments, and as perpetual guest student at UW-Madison. Jim will be remembered for living life to its fullest and doing as much as he could every day. He was loved all the days of his life and he will be sorely missed by his wife Francesca Marie Zirkel (Baldarotta), son Mike (Gini) Zirkel, daughter Karen Schutta, grandchildren Dustin, Noel, and their father Bob Schutta, sister Deany (Tom) Beale, brother Robert (Genny) Zirkel, sister Dorothy Alverson, brother and sister in law Nick and Karen Baldarotta, and countless Zirkels, Baldarottas, Querams, and Beales. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at BLESSED SACRAMENT CATHOLIC CHURCH,   2116 Hollister Ave, on Wednesday, October 21, 2009 at 11:00 am.with Father Ron Kreul officiating.   A visitation will be held at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Rd., on Tuesday, October 20, 2009 from 4 to 7 pm and on Wednesday at the church from 10:00 am until the time of Mass.   Burial will be held at Sunset Memory Gardens Cemetery with Military Honors to conclude the services.                               ""Reach for a star, put it in your pocket.""