James Edward Kobza

James Edward Kobza lived and loved a full life from February 22, 1933 – December 10, 2020. Preceded in death by his parents Anna Mary (nee Todryk) and Edward Bernard Kobza, and sister Mary Ann Kruzick. Survived by his loving sister Shirley Huebschen. Loving Dad to David, Kathy (Mark), Edward (Michelle), Paul (Maureen) and Carolyn (Mike). Loving Grandpa to Joshua, Jennifer (Joseph), James (Katie), Jonathan (Courtney), Alex (Britnee), Casey (Kateland), Brittany, Veronica, Amy (Eli), Aaron, Sam (Kelly), and Anna. Great Grandpa of 17. Previously married to Barbara Kobza and Eileen Rex. His love was widely shared among the Huebschen, Kruzick, and Lewein families. Friends…there are too many to count. Special to Dad was Burt Jahn who was a friend and mentor to him at work and in life. Best friends in his youth were Dave, Gordy and Willie. Dad was passionate about God, family and country. He was a longtime member of St. Martin of Tours Church in Franklin. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1955. One of the highlights of his life was taking part in the Stars and Stripes Honor Flight on June 6, 2015. He took to heart their motto, “Every Day is a Bonus.” Dad graduated from Boys Tech High School in 1951 where his interest in working in the Trades was nurtured. He was a lithographic pressman and mentor to many in the printing business at Mueller Color Plate in Milwaukee and Alton Packaging, Fiedler Printing, and Bremer Press in St. Louis. He was past President of the Milwaukee Litho Club, Litho Club Man of the Year, and a member of the Out of Register Club and GCIU Local 577M. To him, his work was a labor of love. He often said, find something you like to do and stick with it. Dad believed in giving back. In the 1970s, he coached his children’s baseball teams. For many years he volunteered his time to visit with and entertain residents at Southpointe Healthcare Center. At the VA, he proudly transported veterans from place to place between the hospital clinics for several years. He retired from his duties early this year. Dad was an avid sports fan and especially loved the Brewers. Annually, his extended family gathered at the ballpark for tailgating before enjoying a game. Dad played fast pitch softball in his younger years and participated in both bowling and dart ball leagues throughout his life. Special thanks to Lisa and Kaitlyn from Compassionate Care Hospice for providing excellent care to Dad. We all appreciate the support and guidance we received to help our Dad in his final days. A celebration of Dad’s life will be held Monday, December 28, 2020 at St. Martin of Tours Church (7963 S. 116th St., Franklin). Gathering and fellowship at the church from 10:45am – 11:45am, Catholic mass at 12:00pm. In lieu of flowers, donations to St Martin of Tours Church or Stars and Stripes Honor Flight would be appreciated. Interment with military honors at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Union Grove WI will be at a future date.