Jim Marenda

Jim Marenda, of Waupaca, formerly of Baraboo, passed away unexpectedly after complications from surgery on Sunday, April 7, 2019 at the age of 80. Jim was born in LaSalle, IL. He graduated from St. Bede Academy and attended Marquette University. He served in the US Army, and married the love of his life, Marlyn Edwards, in 1968. They celebrated their fiftieth anniversary on November 9, 2018.The couple started their life together in Milwaukee, where Jim began his career in sales, and moved to Baraboo, where they raised four children. At home, his focus was on family and community. He was involved in the Elks club, served several terms on the West Baraboo Village Board, and was active in their parish, St. Joseph Catholic Church. In his free time, Jim enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, and spending time with family and friends. In 2002, Jim and Marlyn embarked on their adventures in retirement. They sold their home in Baraboo, hitched their fifth wheel to the truck, and off they went. They enjoyed trips to Canada, Alaska, Colorado, California, Texas, Arizona, and Florida. In 2018 Jim and Marlyn once again decided to settle down, and moved into their new home in Waupaca.He is survived by his wife Marlyn; his sisters Jan (Jerry) Edwards and Joan (Tony) Del Medico; his brother Paul (Joela) Marenda; his children Jenny (Matt) Thompson, Amy (Kevin Holtz) Quinn, Jamie (Sam) Felland, Dan (Ellen) Marenda; his grandchildren, Cash, Lillian, Oliver, Madelyn, and Augusta; and many cousins; in-laws; nieces; nephews; and friends. He was preceded in death by his loving parents Rose and Venance Daniel Marenda, his parents-in-law Marion and Ray Edwards, his nephew Brian Edwards, his nieces Ruth Zachow and Kelly Edwards, and his grand-nephew, Spencer Kult.Visitation will be at 9:00 am on Saturday, April 27, 2019 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Baraboo, WI, with a funeral mass following at 11:00. Inurnment will take place at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery followed by lunch at Martha and Mary Hall in St. Joseph Catholic Church.In the spirit of Jim's wish that he be remembered with smiles and laughter, his family invites you to share happy memories or funny stories of Jim's escapades. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that loved ones consider donating to one of Jim's favorite charities: St Jude Children's Research Hospital, The Sauk County Giving Tree, or The St. Bede Academy Endowment Fund. The Redlin Funeral Home is assisting the family.