James Edward Fitzgerald, 70, passed away Tuesday, February 6, 2018 in Kenosha.

He was born October 20, 1947 in Waukon, IA to the late Carl and Clara (Aschom) Fitzgerald.

Jim honorably served our county in the United States Army during the Vietnam War.

On November 15, 1975 at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church, he was united in marriage to Clare Lucareli. Clare preceded him in death in 2000.

Jim received his B.A. from Marquette University in Milwaukee in 1969 and his Juris Doctor from Marquette University Law School in 1973. After graduating, he served as an Assistant City Attorney for the City of Milwaukee before joining the Kenosha law firm of Lucareli, Neuman, Ungemach, and Fitzgerald. After closing his law firm, he served as the Family Court Commissioner for Kenosha County from 1997-2017.

Proud of his Irish heritage and Catholic faith, he was a member of St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church where he served many years on the Parish Council and the Worship Committee.

Many will remember Jim for his love of Christmas, with a Christmas tree in every room of his house. He enjoyed celebrating all holidays with his children and family. Jim also loved spending time with his grandkids attending their concerts and sporting events. He also loved gardening and spending time with his dog, Boomer.

He is survived by his daughter, Elissa Fitzgerald of Kenosha, his son, Patrick (Brittany) Fitzgerald of Port Washington, and his grandchildren, Nicole, Ashley, Dylan, and Zachary Petkovic, all of Kenosha.

He is also survived by sisters, Anna Mae Kurt and Mary Jo Fitzgerald; and his loving nieces and their families.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Crispin Kurt.

Service Info

Funeral Services honoring Jim’s life will be held on Tuesday, February 13, 2018. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church, 7117 14th Avenue. Relatives and friends are asked to meet at the church for the Mass. Entombment with full military honors will follow at All Saints Mausoleum.