James Martin Chmel, age 75, of Eau Claire, died on Thursday, November 22, 2012, at Health Park Medical Center in Fort Meyers, FL. Jim was born to Elvyn and Margareth (Sather) Chmel in Eau Claire, WI on March 27, 1937. He graduated from Eau Claire High School in 1955. While in high school he raced boats and won championships for Martin Motors. After high school he owned and operated Chmel Marina in Eau Claire. Jim attended the University of WI, Eau Claire and served in the Army Reserves. He married Dorothy Meyer in Edgar, WI on May 28, 1960. Jim worked at his parents' dental laboratory in Eau Claire and later owned and operated EC Chmel Inc. He was nationally recognized and respected in the Dental Laboratory Industry. Jim was a member of the Kiwanis Club of Eau Claire as well as many other professional and civic organizations. He and Dorothy traveled extensively. He enjoyed boating and spending summer weekends on their houseboat on the Mississippi River. Winter months were spent in Fort Myers, FL. Jim was an avid reader and listener of talk radio; and appreciated political discussions. Jim is survived by his wife of 52 years, Dorothy; daughter, Renee and son-in-law, Robert Chambers of Ramsey, NJ; grandchildren, Kelly and Sean Chambers; mother-in-law, Beatrice Meyer of Amery, WI; brothers-in-law, Robert (Elaine) Meyer of Amery, WI, and Richard (Caroline) Meyer of Germantown, WI; and sister-in-law, Elaine (Ken) Lizotte of Fayetteville, GA. Jim is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. He is preceded in death by his parents and his son, Marcus. Visitation will be from 4 to 7p.m. on Friday, November 30, 2012, at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home, 814 First Ave., Eau Claire. Funeral Service will be at 2p.m. on Saturday, at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home, with a visitation beginning at 12:30p.m. Interment will be held at a later date in Forest Hill Cemetery, Eau Claire. Memorial donations may be directed to the Salvation Army, 2211 S. Hastings Way, Eau Claire, WI 54701, The Boys and Girls Club, 201 E. Lake Street, Eau Claire, WI 54701 or Paul Bunyan Logging Camp Museum, 1110 Half Moon Dr., Eau Claire, WI 54702.
Service Information
Visitation
Friday, November 30 2012
4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral & Cremation Services
814 First Avenue
Eau Claire WI 54703
Visitation
Saturday, December 1 2012
12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral & Cremation Services
814 First Avenue
Eau Claire WI 54703
Funeral Service
Saturday, December 1 2012
2:00 PM
Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral & Cremation Services
814 First Avenue
Eau Claire WI 54703
