James "Jim" Czaplewski

James S. “Jim” Czaplewski, 73, of Winona, passed away at home surrounded by his family on Saturday, July 7, 2018, after a lengthy illness.

He was born in Winona on November 8, 1944, to Benedict and Katherine (Dvorak) Czaplewski and graduated from Cotter High School in 1962.  Jim was united in marriage with Bonnie (Maier) Czaplewski on September 26, 1970, at St. Stanislaus Kostka Church in Winona.

Jim was employed by the Minneapolis Tribune, Valley Wholesalers, Badger Construction, and later with the Canadian Pacific Railway, from which he retired in 2005.  He was a life-long member of the Basilica of St. Stanislaus Kostka, where he served as an usher.

In his younger years, Jim was very artistic, and enjoyed both drawing and woodworking.  An avid Green Bay Packer fan, he enjoyed watching football, as well as a variety of other sports on television.  He also liked pizza, dining out, and his daily visit to Kwik Trip to fill his coffee mug.

Jim is survived by his wife of 47 years, Bonnie; daughters, Terri (Whetstone) Hansen of Winona and Amy Czaplewski of Rochester, MN; grandchildren, Bailey and Cade Hansen of Winona; brother, Ted (Lois) Czaplewski of Winona; sister, Kathy (Bill) Olsen of Winona; as well as in-laws, nieces, and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother, Benedict Czaplewski, Jr.

Visitation will be held from 4 - 7 PM, with a Christian Wake Service at 6:30 PM on Friday, July 13, at the Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 AM on Saturday, July 14, at the Basilica of St. Stanislaus Kostka, 625 East Fourth St., Winona, with visitation 1 hour prior.  Father Martin Schaefer will officiate.  Jim will be laid to rest in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Online condolences or memories may be left for Jim’s family at www.watkowski-mulyck.com.