James “Jim” R. Hannemann, Sr.

James “Jim” R. Hannemann, Sr., a longtime resident of Mercer, passed away on February 8, 2026, at the age of 78. Jim was born to Helmuth and Verona Hannemann in Appleton, on May 24, 1947.

Jim attended first grade in a one-room schoolhouse before moving to a school that had two grades per classroom.

In May of 1965 Jim graduated from high school in DeForest. He was a varsity letterman in football, basketball, and golf. He was a National Honor Society member, National Merit Finalist, and Life Scout. He received a Congressional Appointment to the United States Naval Academy.

At the Naval Academy, Jim earned three varsity letters rowing for the Navy Crew Team. Jim graduated from the United States Naval Academy, in 1969. He was commissioned as an officer in the United States Marine Corps and went to Naval Flight Training.

In January of 1970, Jim married Kathleen Ann Larkin in Annapolis, Maryland.

Jim graduated first in his class from Naval Flight Training, receiving the “High Flyer” academic award. He was assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 314, flying the F-4 Phantom.

Jim completed the aviation safety officer’s course, Naval Postgraduate School, and Marine Corps Amphibious Warfare School.

He spent a year with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 232 in Iwakuni, Japan. And he was an advanced jet flight instructor, flying the TA-4J in Kingsville, Texas.

He transitioned to civilian life in 1979 and spent a year as a corporate charter pilot with Beechcraft before moving on to an entirely new career at Caterpillar, Inc.

Caterpillar sent Jim to Malaysia as regional machine service manager. This was an amazing adventure, living with his family in Kuala Lumpur for six years. He enjoyed scuba diving, world travel, and being a scout master during his off time.

Upon return to the U.S., he was promoted to marine engine marketing manager, for Caterpillar Defense and Federal Products Department. He later advanced to commercial marine marketing manager, Caterpillar North American Commercial Division.

He served in the Marine Corps Reserve until 1991. He then transitioned to the Illinois Army National Guard and was trained as a helicopter pilot at the age of 43. He flew the UH-1 Huey helicopter.

In 2004 and 2005, at the age of 59, he deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom as a UH- 60 Blackhawk helicopter pilot. While deployed to Iraq, he was awarded the Air Medal for exemplary actions against the enemy. His son Kurt served alongside during this deployment. Kurt came home with a Purple Heart.

At age 60 he retired from the military after 38 years of continuous service at the rank of Major, United States Marine Corps. He was the last member of his Naval Academy class to fly in active combat.

After Iraq, Jim returned to civilian life for one final year at Caterpillar as a regional product support manager.

Jim retired from Caterpillar in 2008 and moved with Kathy to the family cottage in Mercer, which was built by his grandfather, George Mielke in 1937.

Jim became an integral part of the Mercer community. He served on the Mercer School Board for six years and as the board president. He was the former commander of Mercer Area VFW Post.

He was a member of the Mercer Candy Cane Parade committee.

He was former Mercer Area Sno-Goers snowmobile club board member and groomer driver.

He served on the Manitowish Waters Airport Committee.

He participated in many community activities such as the Mercer 4th of July parade, and local fundraising activities.

Jim was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, National Guard Association, and the Experimental Aircraft Association.

He was a board member of the American WACO Club, dedicated to restoring and preserving antique biplanes.

Jim held numerous FAA certificates including certified flight Instructor and certified airframe and powerplant mechanic with inspection authorization.

Jim’s life was focused on leadership and excellence. He loved airplanes and machinery, but the most important thing to him was the people in each of his communities.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Linda. Jim leaves behind loving wife Kathy of 56 years, two sons, one brother, and so many dear family and friends.

A memorial service for Jim will take place on Saturday Feb. 21, at Wichmann Funeral Home, 537 N Superior Street, Appleton. Friends and family are invited to gather at the funeral home starting at 2 p.m. The service begins at 4 p.m. with military honors. Dinner will follow.

To share a memory, please see Jim’s page at wichmannfuneralhomes.com.