James Lohse

James W. Lohse, age 93, of Erie, passed away on October 31, 2016 at Millcreek Community Hospital.

He was born in Erie on September 17, 1923, son of the late Rudolph and Ivy Michael Lohse. James was a graduate of Strong Vincent High School and went on to serve his country, as a First Class Motor Machinist in the United States Navy during World War II, first being stationed at Pearl Harbor, then during the invasion of Omaha Beach as part of the European Theater of Operation and then finishing his service to our country in the Pacific Theater of Operation. He was a member of the Siebenbuerger Club and the American Legion in Union City. James was the owner of Lohse Garage located at 29th and Liberty St., where he worked as a mechanic for many years and went on to work for General Telephone for 16 years until his retirement in 1985. Jim’s greatest love in life was his wife, children and all his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He greatly enjoyed being outdoors and “just liked to keep busy.”

In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years in 2004, Jessie Valenzuela Lohse, whom he married August 13, 1949, a son, Thomas F. Lohse, a brother, Robert Lohse, and three sisters, Jane Kressel of Erie, Marjorie Lohse of White Plains, NY, and Mary Alice Lohse, who died as an infant.

He is survived by a two daughters, Judith Krasnesky and Julie George both of Erie, 10 grandchildren, David Krasnesky, Thomas Lohse, Marie Joll, Jaime Lohse, Lori Krasnesky, Russell Jones, Nathan Jones, Renee Jones, Katie George and Carolyn George as well as several great grandchildren.

Friends may call at Burton Funeral Home, 602 West 10th Street on Wednesday, November 2nd from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. and are invited to attend a service there on Thursday November 3rd at 10:30 a.m. Burial will follow in Erie Cemetery, 2116 Chestnut Street, Erie, PA 16502 with full military honors. Memorials can be made to a charity of one’s choice.