James E. Sadowski

James “Jim” Edward Sadowski, age 81, passed away unexpectedly at home on Friday, October 9th, 2026. Jim was born in Kenosha, WI. on June 22, 1945, son of the late Edward R. and Dorothy R. (nee: Orth) Sadowski.

Jim graduated from St. Catherine’s High School “Class of 1963”. On August 24, 1968, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Jim was united in marriage to the love of his life, Nannette “Nan” LaFrance. They met at the ages of 14 and 12, as Nan was the sister of his friend, Fred LaFrance. They raised 3 daughters, Rachel, Nicole and Aimee. They shared fifty-eight wonderful years together. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Mechanical Technology and Business, plus an Associate degree in Fluid Power. In his younger years, he was employed as a Project Engineer for manufacturers of hydraulic components and systems, and then Engineering Consultant at HY-TON, Ltd. before retiring.

Jim served our country in the U.S. Army, Vietnam, 1st Cavalry Division, and was an active member of the VFW Post 1391 where he enjoyed spending time with fellow veterans. Jim was the poppy chairman, youth activities director personally overseeing the post’s Voice of Democracy and Patriots Pen youth scholarships programs and provided educational talks at Racine’s schools. He was an avid volunteer, devoting time to helping others in need, and always looking out for the underdog. He was a diehard Green Bay Packers fan and loved Wisconsin Sports. He enjoyed stock car racing, dart league, hunting, fishing, and genealogy, tracing family roots back many generations.

More than anything, Jim will be remembered for his great love and dedication to his family. He will forever be our rock.

Jim was a cherished brother, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, leaving behind a legacy of love and resilience. He will be dearly missed by his wife of fifty-eight years, Nan Sadowski; daughters, Rachel Sadowski, Nicole (Dan) Mlakar, and Aimee Sadowski-Marweg; grandchildren, Jessica Barlow (Brandon Ohm), Ashley (Joseph) Tate, Brittany Marweg, Taylor Sadowski and Kyle Marweg; great-grandchildren Noah, Emersyn and Silas Tate, Andrew, Benjamin, Cameron, Harper, Kayman, Hudson and Julianna; sisters Janice (Hamid) Eslan and Nancy Stein; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Fred (Elaine) LaFrance and Ray LaFrance (Gail Nozik); nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents, Edward and Dorothy Sadowski, and parents-in-law, Alfred and Agnes LaFrance, Jim was preceded in death by his infant brother, Edward Sadowski; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Robert LaFrance, CJ LaFrance, and Suzette and Gerald Brazones; and great-grandchildren Logan and Wyatt.

A celebration of Jim’s life will take place on Tuesday, November 17, 2026, at Maresh-Meredith & Acklam Funeral Home (803 Main Street, Racine, WI. 53403) with visitation from 10:30 am until12:00 pm and a service to follow. Interment with full military honors will be held at Calvary Cemetery. All are encouraged to dress casually or in your favorite sports team colors. In lieu of flowers, memorials to VFW Post 1391 (820 Main Street, Racine, WI. 53403) in Jim’s name or to the family would be appreciated.