James “Jim” Howard Wiebe

James “Jim” Howard Wiebe, born January 23, 1939, in Willmar, Minn., lived a full and remarkable life defined by family, adventure, and achievement. He was the son of James H. Wiebe and Evelyn L. (Strommen) Wiebe.

Jim graduated from Luther College in 1961 with a bachelor of science degree, where he was also a standout baseball player. In August 1961, he married the love of his life, Gay Diane Babcoke. Together they built a life filled with travel, business pursuits, and shared adventures until her passing in December 2007.

Jim began his career managing operations for small grain elevators throughout the Midwest. He later served as a Purchasing Agent for General Foods in Kankakee, Ill., from 1969 to 1972. In 1973, he became a member of the Chicago Board of Trade, where he worked as a floor broker in the soybean pit until his retirement in 1990 due to health issues.

Outside of his professional life, Jim embraced life to the fullest. He was an accomplished pilot, an international traveler, and a successful businessman with global partners. One of his greatest passions was thoroughbred racing, where he owned, trained, and bred racehorses

Following the death of his wife, Jim retired to the Northwoods of Minocqua, where he enjoyed the beauty of nature and time reflecting on a life well lived.

Jim is survived by his children, Thomas James Wiebe (Kimberly) and Stephen Joseph Wiebe; his grandchildren, Adam Thomas Wiebe (Lindsay) and Justin Tyler Wiebe (Victoria); and his great-grandchildren, Elliott Adam Wiebe, Owen Scott Wiebe, and Sofia Daisy Wiebe.

He is also survived by his siblings: Don Wiebe, Betty Thomas, and Cheryl Lieferman (Chuck), sisters-in-law, Nancy Wiebe and Karen Wiebe and a brother-in-law, Dr. Gary Babcoke.

He is preceded in death by his parents, James H. and Evelyn L. Wiebe, wife, Gay Wiebe on December 13, 2007, brothers, Roger Wiebe and Bob Wiebe, sister-in-law, Gay Wiebe and a brother-in-law, Chuck Thomas. 

James Howard Wiebe will be remembered as a man of vision, drive, and deep love for his family. He truly lived a big life, and his legacy continues through the generations who carry his name and his spirit forward.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Hildebrand Funeral Home & Cremation Specialists, 24 E. Davenport Street, Rhinelander, Wisconsin, 54501, 715-365-4343. Everyone is invited to leave an online condolence at www.hildebrandrussfh.com.