Vardian A. James, age 88 of Clintonville, passed away Tuesday afternoon, February 20, 2024 at ThedaCare Medical Center, Shawano.
Vardian Avis James was born on October 17, 1935 in Waukegan, IL, the daughter of the late William E. and Gertrude A. (Hughes) Petersen, Sr. In 1953; she graduated from Libertyville High School. Vardian then worked at Illinois Bell Telephone Company in Libertyville as a telephone operator. She later worked for the Frank G. Hough front end loader Co. also in Libertyville in the advertising department. In 1955, Vardian moved with her family to Montello, WI. There she worked various jobs in the Montello area. In 1957, Vardian moved with her family back to Libertyville, IL. On August 16, 1958 she was united in marriage to Frederick Richard “Dick” James at the First Presbyterian Church, Libertyville. The couple moved to Mundelein, IL and Vardian returned to work at the Frank G. Hough Co. Because of job opportunities, the couple later moved to Paw Paw, MI for a short time, until they moved to Boise, ID, and later returned to Libertyville where they raised their family. Vardian returned to work for various businesses in that area, lastly working at J.C. Forney & Co. Realtors as secretary/bookkeeper. In 1981, the couple moved to Westfield, WI where they lived for many years. Following her husband Dick’s death Vardian moved to Clintonville in 1994. A skilled gardener planting both vegetables and flowers at every home large or small where she lived. She shared this joy by helping her family and friends with their own gardens. She was active with her mother’s group, taking part in weekly coffee gatherings, as well as the Homemakers Club. Vardian was an active member of the Christ Congregational U.C.C. Church, Clintonville for the last several years. She worked for Culver’s and a local cafe for a time. Vardian cherished the time she was able to watch her grandchildren and great grandchildren participate in sports and musical performances, it was the delight of her life.
She is survived by:
Her children: Richard “Rick” A. (Janet) James, Appleton; Diana (Scott) Stevenson, Clintonville, & Taryn (Michael) Lantz, Madison
Her grandchildren: Paige (Nick Brady) Lantz, Cullen (Danielle) Lantz, Troy (Joannie) Stevenson, Nicole (Matthew) Cody, Briana (Brandon) McAuly, Danielle (Jim) Korth, & Nina James
Her great-grandchildren: Keira, Emma, Noah, Piper, Eve, Delle, Bronson, Sonny, Rory, & Codi
Her siblings: Dr. Roger (Della) Petersen, Loretta “Zoe” Steinhaus, Rev. William (Janice) Petersen, Jr., & Tracy (Dana) Petersen
She was preceded in death by her parents; and her husband, F. Richard “Dick” James; and her brother, Keith Petersen.
Funeral services will be held 12 PM on Monday, February 26, 2024 at Christ Congregational United Church of Christ, Clintonville, with the Rev. Jill Meyer and the Rev. Carol Nimke officiating. Interment will take place at the Village of Westfield Cemetery at a later date.
Visitation will take place on Monday at the church from 10 AM until the time of service.
The Eberhardt-Stevenson Funeral Home & Crematory, Clintonville is assisting with arrangements.
An online guestbook is available at eberhardtstevenson.com.
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