Frechette, James Jr.

James Frechette Jr., age 76, of Rhinelander, died Saturday, October 7, 2006, at St. Mary's Hospital. He was born on September 12, 1930, in Neopit, Wisconsin to James and Marie (Waukechon) Frechette Sr. Following graduation, Jim served in the U.S. Marine Corps for four years. Following his honorable discharge, he married the former Joan Hartsworm on November 28, 1952. Jim was employed with by the Indian Health Service, a division of the Federal Public Health Service, where he worked to improve living conditions and health services on reservations around the country. Following his retirement, Jim actively pursued his second career as an artist and carver of traditional Native American figures. He received national recognition for his carving and his work is on permanent display at the UW-Stevens Point. In 2005, Jim was presented with the Laird National Leadership in Art Award. Jim had a passion for the preservation of his Native American heritage and it was very important to him to share his culture with new generations. Jim is survived by his two sons, Richard "Tucson" (Jean) Frechette of Rhinelander and Duane Frechette of Phoenix, Arizona; two granddaughters, Tracy (Chris) Connor and Jessica (Tim) Seymour both of Rhinelander; five great grandchildren, Alex and Ethan Seymour and Hunter, Hannah, and Haylee Connor; three sisters, Bea Wilber (David) of Keshena, Jeanne (Erwin) Besaw of Keshena, and Karen (Greg) Pecor of Montgomery, Alabama; two brothers, Lawrence (Carol) Frechette of Kenosha and Tony Frechette of Keshena; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Joan on January 2, 2004; four sisters, Marie, Alice, Marguerite, and Vivian; and a brother, Ronald. Funeral services for Jim will be held at 12:00 p.m. (noon) on Wednesday, October 11, 2006, at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Neopit with Father Dave Kiefer officiating. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, October 10, 2006, at the Carlson Funeral Home (369-1414 / www.carlsonfh.com) where a traditional Menominee service will take place at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will also take place from 11 a.m. until the time of services on Wednesday at the church in Neopit. Interment will be in St. Anthony Catholic Cemetery in Neopit.

source: Rhinelander Daily News 10/08/2006