"A candle for you Dad....xoxo.."
In loving memory of
James "Green Hornet" Tautges
October 29, 1948 - January 24, 2016
James "Green Hornet" Tautges, of Birnamwood, died Sunday, January 24, 2016 at home at the age of 67. He was born on October 29, 1948 in Birnamwood, a son of the late Anton and Beulah (Meverden) Tautges. He married Kathy Neiter on January 11, 1969 at St. Boniface Catholic Church, Aniwa. She preceded him in death on September 12, 2010.
After attending Birnamwood High School, Mr. Tautges began his truck driving career as a milk truck driver.
In 1967, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. He was promoted to the rank of specialist. While serving in Vietnam, he was awarded the Purple Heart and the Vietnam Service Medal with three Bronze Service Stars. When he returned from Vietnam, he drove for several local trucking companies. He began driving for Karl's Transport in 2005 and retired in 2015 after more than 44 years behind the wheel.
First and foremost, Jim was a devoted husband and father. He was a member of the Owner Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA). Jim's CB handle was Green Hornet. In his spare time he worked in his yard on his Allis-Chalmers tractor and drove dump truck for Jack Kautza.
Survivors include two daughters, Chris Tautges, Tigerton, Vickie (Steve) Crum, Wausau; four grandchildren, Cody Richter, Steven Richter, Vicky (fiance Bryan Pelky) Richter, Rhianan Roberts; one great-granddaughter, Aalieah Pelky; four sisters, Dorothy Frederickson and Mary Deisinger, both of Antigo, Rosalie (Gerald) Ziegelbauer, Birnamwood, Bernadine (Gary) Seefeldt, Wittenberg; one brother, Michael (Ann) Tautges, Antigo.
In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by a sister in infancy, EmmaJean.
A funeral service will be held on Thursday at 1 p.m. at Bradley Funeral Home with Rev. Omer Kelley officiating. Burial will take place in St. Boniface Cemetery, Aniwa. Visitation will be 4 - 8 p.m. on Wednesday and noon until the time of service on Thursday at the Bradley Funeral Home. Antigo Veterans will conduct military honors Thursday at the funeral home following services.
Tributes
"so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. a great truck driver. having been his dispatcher at Kohel for several years, i got to know him well. a good man, great sense of humor, and a super trucker. RIP my my friend."
"When we were young,Jim's family (Uncle Tony and Aunt Buelah) lived fairly close.We visited and helped each other with the farm work as well as played together. Later on, our family had a farm up north. Jim and Uncle George would come up and help out on the farm and also help my Dad on the milk route. Jim respected my dad (Uncle Louis) and my dad always enjoyed Jim's visits.I will always remember Jim's infectious laugh. Even though we didn't see each other very much in the past few years I will miss him."
"Jim, never afraid to get his hands dirty if someone needed a helping hand. Could always be counted on to be there. Many memories from the early years and some from Ft. Hood, Tx where we served at the same time in '69. Rest in the peace of Jesus, cuz. The "long haul" is done! "
"Chris, Vickie and families; I was sorry to hear about your loss and pray for your endurance and comfort, now and in the future. Our thoughts are with you and your families during this time. Love you both and miss you...Your dad had the best stories and I treasure the times we all spent together with your parents during our young lives. Love and Hugs. Tammie Sjostrom "
"Vickie and Chris, my most sincere sympathies. I am so shocked by this. I just saw your Dad last week and he looked so good. He was back to smiling and joking. I am so sorry for your loss."
"So sorry for your loss...was happy to have been able to chat at the open house at Kolbe with Jim. Lovable man and know he will be missed deeply... Vicki, sending hugs and my deepest sympathy"
"Jim was the Nicest,,Kindess man,,,We will miss his jokes and his Great smile Always,our thoughts and prayers are with his family. Rest in Peace Jimmy"
"A very special uncle, I grew up around uncle Jimmy. He was a true inspiration to me,, After it came time in life to make a serious move to getting on with my life, I joined the US Army, knowing he had done the same. To this day, I am forever in his debt for knowing that he served and his efforts led me in the right direction to make a life for myself and my family. I thank him everyday for his service, God Bless you Uncle Jimmy."
"He was a good freind of my father who worked with him and a great guy. Alway remember him riding with my dad an Ron an Jim down the Arizona he was always cracking jokes"
"So sorry for you loss. Jim will be deeply missed by the breakfast group on Sundays. You have our deepest sympathy. Bill and Mary Fandrey and Bea Stelter"
"Im so sorry for you loss. He will be missed by very many people!! He would stop in by me and wonder what my son had me doing!! We had coffee and very many talks about the family!! I promised him I would make sauerkraut and potato dumplings for him sometime!! Hes up in heaven now with your Mom...Hes happy!!! If you need anything....Love your cuz,"