James A. Kannenberg

Pastor James A. Kannenberg, 89, of Waterloo, passed away on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at Marquardt- Park Terrace in Watertown.

Jim was born January 5, 1936, at St. Joseph's Hospital in Milwaukee, the first son of Wilbur and Mariele Kannenberg. He was privileged to be united in the Holy Estate of Matrimony with Joan Phyllis Berg on December 17, 1960, at Nebo Lutheran Church in Chicago and they were married for 39 years before her passing in 1999. In 2004, Jim married Rita Templeton at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Waterloo, and the couple enjoyed 20 years of marriage. Jim was baptized at Siloah Lutheran Church in Milwaukee by Pastor Berkholz and confirmed at Augustana Lutheran Church in Milwaukee by Pastor Alf Watman. Jim received his Master of Divinity Degree from the Lutheran School of Theology in Maywood, Illinois, in 1963. He was ordained at Augustana Lutheran Church (his home congregation) on May 26, 1963. He served in the ordained ministry for about 35 years. He served as Pastor of Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, Mukwonago, Wisconsin, as mission developer and first Pastor of The Community of Christ the Reconciler in Racine, Wisconsin, and he was Pastor at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Waterloo until his retirement in 1998. In his free time he enjoyed watching auto racing and working with a friend on his racing pit crew. He was a talented musician, playing piano, accordion, and bass, all without sheet music. Above all he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife Rita, her daughter Elizabeth Templeton, his children Joel of Waterloo, John (Janet) of Janesville, Jane (Jim) Cunningham of Mequon and Jenny (Dave) Sandmire of Waterloo, five grandsons: Paul (Allison) Kannenberg, Aaron (Audrey Wood) Sandmire, Alex Sandmire, Nathan Cunningham and Joshua Cunningham, and Jim’s brother Thomas. He is also survived by a number of other relatives, and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his first wife Joan.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00am on Thursday, March 6, 2025, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Waterloo, with Rev. Robert Moberg presiding. Visitation will take place at the church from 9:00am until the time of service. Burial will follow the service at Washington Cemetery in the Town of Portland.

Memorials in Jim’s honor to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Waterloo, ELCA World Hunger, or a charity of one’s choice would be appreciated.