James Bertram Arthur Newman

A kind, gracious, humble and wonderful man has gone Home.  James B.A. Newman of Chetek, passed away on Sunday, October 18, 2015, three months shy of his 100th birthday.

James was born January 15, 1916 in the town of Sioux Creek to John and Marie Newman. He and the love of his life, Norma were married June 18, 1953. James, his wife, and children ran a dairy farm south of Chetek for over 60 years . James enjoyed traveling with his wife Norma, having visited six of the seven continents, and having made lifelong friendships along the way. He especially cherished the many trips they made to Norway, visiting the many relatives living there.

James always said he received a personal written invitation from The President of the United States to serve in World War II. He was a Ser gent and a Message Center Chief in the 44th Infantry Division, 71st Infantry Regiment, 1st Battalion Headquarters Company. Their Division were the first US troops to reach the Rhine River, fighting in midwinter, through Vosges Mountains.   He served from 1942 to 1946.  In April of 2010 James was fortunate to participate in The National Honor Flight to Washington DC to see the WWII memorial.  James was a life member of the American Legion Post #179 in Chetek and served 25 years as the Chaplin.

James leaves to celebrate his memory five children: three sons Craig, Sherwin (Cheryl), and Paul Newman of Chetek, two daughters Vicki (Richard) Huset of River Falls and Ellen (Scott) Fransway, of Chippewa Falls.  six grandchildren:  Rick (Julie) Huset, Jackie (Dave) Tester,  Laura (Jeff Casady) Newman and Mitchell (Molly) Newman, Megan and James Fransway. Six great grandchildren, Jenna and Liam Huset, Sabrina and Nicholas Tester and Ingrid and Bjorn Newman.

He is also survived by his sister Mavis Dodge, sister in laws Delores Ours and Joan (Lane) Goad and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife Norma on December 15, 2008, one son Kevin on May 9, 2012, parents John and Marie, and his siblings Morris, Kenneth and Norma Newman.

Funeral Services for James will be at 11:00 A.M. Dovre Lutheran Church Thursday, October 22, 2015 with Pastor Guy Redfield officiating.  A visitation will be held at the funeral home from 4:00-7:00 P.M. Wednesday, October 21, 2015 and one hour prior to the service at church.  James will be laid to rest alongside his wife at Lake View Cemetery with Military Honors present.

Our hearts are broken as we will surely miss his love, wisdom and knowledge, the great conversations and his clever wit and humor, but we now know he walks with a spring in his step and is surrounded by his loved ones in Heaven.