Obituary: James E. Cordier

James E. Cordier, 99, of Sturgeon Bay, WI, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Monday, October 16, 2017.  He was born on May 31, 1918, in Sturgeon Bay, to the late Edward and Net (Gerondale) Cordier.  He graduated from Sturgeon Bay High School in 1936.  On June 16, 1943, after a whirlwind courtship, he married Laura Mallien at St. Mary of the Snow Church in Namur.

Jim was a husband, a father, a grandfather, a police officer, a fisherman, a wood worker, and a card player. During WWII, Jim sailed the Great Lakes on coal ships which was deemed an essential job for the war effort. However, for most of his working life, he was a police officer in Sturgeon Bay.

After retirement, he developed his skills as a wood worker, designing and hand crafting masted schooners that have become prized collector’s items.  Jim enjoyed fishing for most of his life and played cards until the day of his death. He was talented, had a great work ethic, and was a good provider for his family.  He and Laura raised six children.

Survivors include his daughters, MJ (Bob Schimmelpfennig) Cordier, Orlando, FL; Lynn (Tom) Lodholz, Berlin, WI; Cynthia (Jerry) Bechard, Bonita Springs, FL; sons, Michael (Jayne Zabrowski) Cordier, Sheboygan, WI; Patrick (Kelly) Cordier, Sturgeon Bay, WI; and James (Krista) Cordier, Apollo Beach, FL; seven grandchildren: Lori (Henry) Holzman, Sherry, Rebecca (Israel) Burri, Erik (Ashley) Cordier, Andrew (Kristi) Cordier, Dakota (Travis) Martin, and Riley; one great-granddaughter Violet; a sister-in-law Emma Hayot; nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Laura (2010), and only sister Marion (Roland) Vanderheiden, 4 nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am Friday, October 20, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Sturgeon Bay.  Visitation will precede the service, beginning at 10:00 am.  On-line condolences may be offered at www.forbesfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that friends and family “Pay it Forward” by performing an unexpected act of kindness. The family extends a heartfelt thank you to Annette Allrand, Jim’s favorite card player.