James Leroy “Jim” Palenske, 77, of Wamego, Kansas, passed away on Monday (July 31, 2023) at Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka, Kansas, following a courageous battle with cancer.
Born September 29, 1945 in Manhattan, Kansas, Jim was the son of Edward Henry and Elinor Marie (Herbic) Palenske. He married Bonnie Songs on November 4, 1961 in Manhattan, Kansas and they celebrated 61 years of marriage. Bonnie survives.
Jim was an avid hunter and fisherman and loved every minute he had fishing on his trips to Canada. He was a leader with the Wabaunsee 4-H Club and taught the group his skill of leather crafting. Jim belonged to the local CB Radio club with his handle “Double D”. Through this, he talked to and met many others who became lifelong friends.
Jim was employed as a Technician for Wamego Telephone Company for 27 years until his retirement in 2006. He previously helped farm with Lawrence Mertz, Glenn Wilson and Tom Dunn before going to work as an electrician for Bill Owens and later moving to the City of Wamego. He later became a Sales Representative for Bit-O-Gold Cheese where he sold and serviced milkers and bulk tanks before going to WTC.
Survivors include his wife, Bonnie; two daughters, Brenda Ridder (Chris) of Alma and Julie McIntyre (Jerry) of Wamego; eight grandchildren, Ethan Walsh (Tiffany), Tristan Walsh (Mariah), Clara Carter, Hunter Ridder, Harley Ridder, Chelsey McIntyre (Corey), Jessica McIntyre (Evan) and Shaylea McIntyre; six great grandchildren, Hallie Walsh, Kamryn Walsh, Braylyn Walsh, Blazye Walsh, Malia Walsh and Zayden McIntyre; a brother, Eddy Palenske (Sue) of Wamego; a sister, Joan Jackson (LeRoy) of Wamego; a brother in law, LaVaughn Jones of Holcomb, IL; and many nieces and nephews.
Mr. Palenske was preceded in death by his parents; a son in infancy, Michael Lee Palenske; and a sister, Hazel Jones.
Cremation arrangements are in the care of Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home in Wamego.
The family will host a celebration of Jim’s life on Saturday (September 30, 2023) from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Alma Community Center.
Private inurnment will be in the Wabaunsee Cemetery.
Memorial contributions are suggested to Elara Hospice, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Wabaunsee Township Fire Department No. 8 and may be left with Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home, P. O. Box 48, Wamego, KS 66547