James Scharlau

     James Michael Scharlau 67, of Black River Falls passed away Saturday April 23, 2022, from complications of surgery. Jim was born in Arcadia to Russell and Marian Scharlau. As a young man, they moved to Black River Falls. 

     Jim spent most of his working years with Lunda Construction and also Larson Construction as a very accomplished crane operator, where he took great pride in a job well done with safety as his number one concern. He finished his career on the Stillwater St. Croix crossing bridge with a big retirement and his 62nd birthday bash. Jim was a member of Operators Local 139 and attended Evangelical Lutheran Church. He had a passion for anything fast, snowmobiles, motorcycles and cars. Luckily, the wisdom of age curbed some of that need.

     One of his favorite things in retirement was his beef cattle, that provided many families with delicious beef and lamb, also making it possible for Lori to have her flock of sheep. He loved his tractors. He restored Olivers and was also a John Deere green man; working the fields, harvesting hay and watching the wildlife gave him great joy. He loved to visit, whether he knew you or not, and could strike up a conversation with anyone. Jim cherished his family and enjoyed watching grandkids play various sports and even band and choir concerts, he was the best Papa.  

     Jim is survived by his wife, Lori; daughter Savanna (Kelly) Sharlau; step-children David (Suzi) Wyss, Joshua (Heather) Wyss, Lee (Sara) Wyss, Mindy (Emmett) Schaap, Chad (Dana) Schaap and Millette Schaap;  sister Debra (Paul) Scharlau; and brother Keith Scharlau; grandchildren Dylan, Alisha, Mariah, Jasmine, Zachary, Kaleb, Kaylee, Ashley, Jackson, Nora, Lief, Skye, Silas, Bosco, Siri and Drake; sister-in-law Sue (Jody) Bjerke; and his devoted German shepherd, Hilde. He is also survived by stepmother Cleo Scharlau and stepsiblings Karen (Pat) Petkau, Scott (Carla) Faldet, Brenda (Mike) Gilbertson and Ann Moen.

     Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Marian Scharlau. 

     Visitation will be Friday, April 29 at Evangelical Lutheran Church from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Funeral is at 5 p.m. at the church.

     The Buswell Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements, 106 2nd St, Black River Falls, WI, 715-284-4321.