James Martin Kulow

James Martin Kulow, age 91, of Ellsworth, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on June 30, 2026, at Ellsworth Health Services.

James was born on June 26, 1935, in Oelwein, Iowa, to Martin and Mary (Miller) Kulow. When he was a young boy, his family moved to Plum City, Wisconsin, where he attended high school. It was there that he first met the love of his life, Yvonne. Although they graduated and went their separate ways, they continued to keep in touch.

Following high school, James enlisted in the United States military, serving his country for two years. During his time in the service, he and Yvonne exchanged letters from time to time, though they eventually lost contact. After receiving his honorable discharge, James returned to the Twin Cities with one goal in mind to find Yvonne. Having never even taken her on a date, he knew she was the one he wanted to spend his life with. While driving her back to Plum City, he proposed to her along the way. She said yes, and the rest was history.

James and Yvonne were united in marriage on August 4, 1956, at St. John's the Baptist Catholic Church in Plum City. Together they shared 65 wonderful years of marriage and were blessed with seven children: Jeffrey, Joel, Kyle, Kent, Jamie, Gina, and Colin.

James was a dedicated and hardworking man who spent 35 years working at the Red Wing Tannery. He took tremendous pride in providing for his family and ensuring they had everything they needed. Above all else, he loved his wife and family wholeheartedly.

A faithful member of St. Francis Catholic Church in Ellsworth, James enjoyed volunteering whenever he could. He loved helping organize parish events and was always willing to lend a hand with setup and preparations. He also treasured attending his grandchildren's sporting events, where he could often be found enthusiastically cheering them on from the sidelines.

James never met a stranger. His outgoing personality and gift for conversation allowed him to make friends wherever he went. He enjoyed visiting with others, sharing stories, and keeping everyone laughing with his quick wit and sarcastic sense of humor. He often teased others simply to get a smile or a reaction, and those who knew him will forever remember his infectious laughter and playful spirit. In his younger years, James enjoyed jogging, and as the years went by, he happily traded running for long walks whenever he could.

James will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, faithful parishioner, hardworking provider, and a friend to everyone he met. His kindness, humor, and unwavering love for his family will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

James is survived by his children, Joel (Carola) Kulow, Kyle (Bobbie) Kulow, Kent (Teri) Kulow, Jamie (Brandon) Melstrom, Gina (Dave) Hamilton, and Colin (Bryan) Kulow; his sisters, Joanne (Jim) Frank, Carolyn (Kenny) Manfred, and Rosemary (Al) Kulow; his grandchildren, Chad (Emily), Chase (Heather), Carlie (Jeffrey), Kylee (Kyle), Maddie (Jason), Carson (Elise), Chrystian, Alec, and Owen; fifteen great-grandchildren; and many beloved nieces, nephews, extended relatives, and friends.

James was preceded in death by his wife, Yvonne; his son, Jeffrey James; his parents, Martin and Mary Kulow; his sister, Helen Gordon; and his stepfather, Winston (Chic) Chicquette.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 12:00pm on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at St. Francis Catholic Church: 231 W Woodworth St. Ellsworth, WI 54011. A visitation will begin at 10:30am until the start of the mass. Interment will be at St. John’s Catholic Cemetery in Plum City, WI.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorials be made in memory of James to St. Francis Catholic Church in Ellsworth.

Arrangements are entrusted to O’Connell Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ellsworth. For more information or to share a memory, please visit www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com or call 715-273-4421.