James “Jim” F. Willner, 89

James “Jim” F. Willner, of Stevens Point, passed away Jan. 17, 2026, at the age of 89.

Jim was born March 31, 1936, in Marshfield, Wis.; son of the late Fred and Stephanie (née Zemansky) Willner. He grew up in the area where he attended local schools and graduated from Columbus Catholic High School in Marshfield, Class of 1954.

Following high school, Jim continued his education at the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point. On July 12, 1958, he married Mary M. Ashbeck at St. Killian Catholic Church in Blenker, Wis. They were blessed with 67 beautiful years as husband and wife and welcomed four children: Kathy, Gerald, Lisa and Laura. To support his family, Jim worked for Security Fence & Supply until his retirement.

Jim was a loving husband and father who was devoted to his family. Once he earned the title of grandpa, that devotion expanded, and he was a wonderful grandfather. Jim was proud to share his interests with his children and grandchildren, from hunting, fishing and trapping to carving wood and learning all kinds of history. During his retirement years, Jim spent countless hours wood carving. His talent gifted those he loved with many beautiful birds and animal carvings.

Jim was a member of the Loyal Order of the Moose and Wisconsin River Woodcarvers. He also played bass in many local polka bands, including the Ray Shuda Band.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Mary; his children, Kathy (Mark Zick) Willner of Wausau, Gerald (DeeAnn) Willner of Plover, Lisa (Garth) Darton of Florida, and Laura (Duane) Clussman of Middleton; six grandchildren, Chad and Craig Willner, Bridgette (Chris) Samper, Holly (Nolan) Scheps, Elise (Joey) Duff, and Allison Clussman; and one great-granddaughter, Maevy Scheps. He is further survived by his sister, Donna (Ben) Simon of Springfield, Va.; a sister-in-law, Grace Ashbeck; and many nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Stephanie; brothers-in-law Jerome and Arnold Ashbeck; and sisters-in-law Marie (Arthur) Lobner and Margaret (Robert) Hasenohrl.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to St. Croix Hospice and Dimensions Living for their kindness and compassion.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 23, 2026, at St. Peter Catholic Church, 800 Fourth Ave., Stevens Point. Friends and family are invited to gather and share memories at the church in the St. Faustina Room from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will follow at Guardian Angel Cemetery in Stevens Point.

Shuda Funeral Chapel is honored to be assisting the family.