James R. Stolz

James R. Stolz, age 87, of Oconomowoc, passed away on Monday, June 9, 2025. Jim was born March 12, 1938 to William and Ellen Stolz in Milwaukee, WI.

Jim grew up in Elm Grove and graduated from Wauwatosa High School in 1956. Growing up, Jim spent many summers at the family cottage on Plum Lake in Sayner, WI. These times were spent swimming, water-skiing and above all, fishing.

Jim graduated from UW-Milwaukee and joined the family insurance agency. Although Jim’s profession was an insurance agent, his true calling was to be a fire fighter. He joined the Elm Grove Fire Department in 1957 when he was eighteen and remained with the Department for 35 years. Even though he moved to the Town of Summit, he remained on the Department to serve the community during the day while working at Stolz Insurance Agency.

He never intended to become a Fire Chief, but after attending a meeting to give input on creating a volunteer fire department in the Town of Summit, Jim was convinced to be the Chief. Jim served as Fire Chief since the inception of the Town of Summit Fire Department in 1969 for 34 years until his retirement as Chief in 2003. He continued to serve with the Department for an additional four years. Jim served on the Western Lakes Dive Rescue Team from 1997- 2007 when he fully retired. He had a gift of knowing how to attack fires, leading his department, and spending countless hours designing fire trucks with Pierce Manufacturing and others to best serve and protect the community. For his children, growing up was spent going to the fire department with him, seeing the trucks and accepting that at any time he may need to respond to a call. Tuesday nights were always known as “fire department nights”. Jim gave his service to firefighting for 46 years.

Jim did not have any siblings, but he and Bob Reinders created a bond that was stronger than most. They had a passion for fishing and hunting, with many embellished stories. Depending on the upcoming season, they were getting decoys and blinds ready for duck hunting, planning and packing for Canada fishing trips, and preparing for the deer hunting season rituals. These adventures became family focused when both had children; memories and passions were passed on to the next generation.

Jim liked to be busy, and he was known to always have several projects going on at the same time. From remodeling the home, to yard projects, to doing handyman work in his “retirement” years, Jim always took pride in doing the job correctly and helping others with those small projects. Jim lived his life to serve others.

A special thank you is extended to Heartland Hospice for the exceptional care given to Jim and the compassion provided for the family in the final weeks. To Pam, fellow resident, thank you for your friendship and compassion you had for Jim.

Jim is survived by his children: Connie (Douglas) Oates, Jeffrey (Michele) Stolz, James Stolz; Grandchildren: Laura, Julie, Daniel, Nicholas, Lauren, Jessica, Ryan, Eric; Great Grandchildren: Emerick, Everly; Significant Other Susan Perkins; Former Daughter-In-Law Lisa Stolz; and Best Friend Bob Reinders; as well as many other friends and relatives.

Services will be Saturday, June 21, 2025 at Pagenkopf Funeral Home, 2228 N. Silver Maple Lane, Oconomowoc, WI. Visitation 10am-12pm, followed by service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Professional Fire Fighters of Wisconsin Charitable Foundation or the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America in Jim’s name are welcome.