James Belant

James E. Belant, age 79, of Merrill, passed away Tuesday, March 26, 2013, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. He was born August 14, 1933, the son of the late Delton and Christine (Dufek) Belant. He married the former JoAnn Hornischer on August 2, 1958, in the town of Schley. She survives. Jim served in the U.S. Army as a corporal and was stationed in Germany. He was honorably discharged in 1956. When he returned to the states, he went to work as a mechanic for Hipke's Implement in Deerbrook, then worked for Bob Johnson Chevrolet dealership in Wausau and later worked for Wisconsin Public Service Corporation in Merrill, until retiring in 1993. He was a member of Wildwood Chapel Methodist Church in the town of Schley. Jim was a lifetime member of the NRA and was a certified hunter safety instructor for many years. He loved to hunt and fish, especially trout fishing and was an avid John Deere tractor collector. Jim is survived by his wife, JoAnn, one daughter, Jenine (DuWayne) Rice of Merrill. 4 sons; James (Wendy) Belant of Pulaski, Jerrold (Mary-Kay) Belant of Starkville, MS, Jeff (Becky Krueger) Belant and Jeremy (Julie) Belant both of Merrill. 12 grandchildren; Andrew, Alex, Amber, Devin, Luke, Josette, Claire, Taylor, Derek, Cameron, Mackenzie and Cadence. He was preceded in death by his parents; a granddaughter, Phyllis Jo Rice; a sister Carol and 2 brothers, Lowell and Arthur. Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM, Saturday, March 30, 2013, at Wildwood Chapel Methodist Church in the town of Schley. The Rev. Don Entenman will officiate. Burial will be in Forest View Cemetery in the town of Vilas. Visitation will be from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM Saturday at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be given to the charity of your choice. The Waid Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements. Online tributes may be made at www.waidfuneral.com .

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Previous Events

Visitation
Saturday, March 30, 2013
Visitation
Saturday, March 30, 2013
Visitation
Saturday, March 30, 2013

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