James Valentine Wozney, 85, passed away at his home on January 4th, 2026 after a short battle
with cancer. He was born in Independence on February 14, 1940 to Frank and Mary (Przybylla)
Wozney. He graduated from Independence high school in 1958 and then joined the Marine
Corps. He served for three years then went to work in Milwaukee. He married Betty Giemza on
August 11, 1962 at St Michael's church in North Creek. They were blessed with five children.
James was a carpenter and construction worker until he and Betty took over the Giemza family
farm. He excelled at farming but back issues forced a career change. He found the next best
thing in the farm equipment business. He started at Eckel implement then went to Benusa
Implement which through mergers became Arcadia implement and is now Tractor Central. He
served as an EMT with the Arcadia volunteer ambulance service. He was a member of the
Knights of Columbus and Lions Club. He served on the OLPH church counsel, the Arcadia school
board, the Arcadia credit union board and the Arcadia utility commission. In 2019, he received
the Arcadia Chamber of Commerce Honorary Lifetime Achievement Award.
He survived by his wife, Betty; children, Natalie (Terry), Tammy (Rod), Tom (Marilyn), Tim and
Jon; grandchildren, Matt (Jenna), Sarah (Adam) Chase, Taylor, Mitch, Nick, Macy, Katelyn, Tyler,
Ava, Carson, Layna and Elsie; step-grandchildren Brandon and Kristen (Ryan); 6 great-
grandchildren; three step-great grandchildren; sister, Kathy Ford; and sister-in- law, Debi
Franson.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Jerome; sisters, Michalene, Delores, Joan
and Ann; mother and father-in-law, Marian and Cliff Giemza; and sister and brother-in-law,
Doris and Jerry Davis.
Per James wishes, there will be a Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Family Catholic Church with
Father Kyle Laylan officiating on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 11:00 am. Interment after at St.
Stanislaus Catholic Cemetery. A celebration of life will follow at the Arcadia Country Club.
If unable to attend the church service, please join us at the celebration of life.
The family wishes to thank St. Croix hospice for the care they provided James and his family.
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