James W. Sponholtz, age 74 of Berlin, died unexpectedly on Friday, September 2, 2011 at his home.
James was born June 14, 1937 in Elgin, IL. He was the son of Harold and Muriel Crane Sponholtz. He graduated from Elgin High School and attended Elgin Community College. On February 2, 1957 he was united in marriage to Donna Dae Thompson.
The Sponholtz family moved to Berlin in 1968. Jim worked for Redgranite Skelgas Company. He was later promoted to Manager of Princeton Skelgas Company. In later years, he worked for Modern
Pole Builders and then Modern Overhead Door, until his death.
James was a past Cub Scout Master and an active member of Grace English Lutheran Church in
Berlin where he served as an usher, past Sunday School teacher, Mentor, and mission trip chaperone
to New Orleans. For 15 years, Jim and his family prepared and served the Easter breakfast at Grace
English Lutheran Church. He enjoyed golf, the Green Bay Packers, and the Milwaukee Brewers.
He is survived by his wife, Donna; three children, Jamie (Tom) Stobbe, Steve (Cathy) Sponholtz, and
Jill (Marty) Weiske, all of Berlin; five grandchildren, Ryan (fiancé Stacie) Stobbe, Lindsey (Josh)
Beaman, Eric (fiancé Heather) Sponholtz, Evan Weiske and Nora Weiske; three great-grandchildren,
Gabi, Garrison, and Madi Beaman; nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents;
one brother, William Sponholtz; and one sister, Sue Ann Eckstrom.
Per Jim’s wishes, private family services will be held. Arrangements are entrusted to Barbola Funeral
Chapel. Memorials may be directed to Grace English Lutheran Church.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at barbolafc@yahoo.com