James Peter Huibregtse

James Peter Huibregtse, 89, passed away on Friday, January 10, 2025, at Pine Haven Christian Communities Haven Drive Campus Covenant Home– Sheboygan Falls.

He was born on May 7, 1935, to Peter and Ruth (Noetzel) Huibregtse in Plymouth, WI. James graduated from Sheboygan Central High School in 1953. He enlisted in the United States Air Force and served from 1954 to 1958, obtaining the rank of staff Sergeant.

After his time in the service, he started a 40 + year career in banking. He was employed initially by Citizens Bank Group of Sheboygan and was offered the opportunity to attend the University of Virginia for a specialized accreditation in banking. Following the acquisition of Citizens bank he worked with Norwest Bank, First Interstate Bank, and finished his career at Wells Fargo Bank. Upon his retirement from his banking career, he was employed at The American Club for 10 years, before retiring there in 2010. His love of interacting with people was ever present in his occupational years. Successive years had him volunteering at Longfellow Middle school as a reading assistant. He loved his time with the kids.

On June 24, 1961, James married Lavonne Helen Brill at First Presbyterian Church in Oostburg. They enjoyed 60 wonderful years together. She preceded him in death in 2022. James was a faithful 70+ year member of First Congregational Church in Sheboygan, where he was devoted to many church activities and the community. He and his wife donated and volunteered with many local organizations including the John Michael Kohler Arts Center, YMCA Horizons Club, Mead Public Library Society, the Sheboygan A’s & Oldtimers Baseball Club to mention a few.

James was also a longstanding, 31-year member of the Sheboygan Evening Lions Club and the Sheboygan Historical Society, He enjoyed sports, and was an avid supporter of Wisconsin sports teams. He and his wife also loved to travel, visiting all 50 states and 27 countries. His last trip was in 2021 when he was able to participate with his son Scott in the Stars and Stripes Honor Flight to Washington DC.

James is survived by his sons, Scott (Dawn) Huibregtse of Cedarburg, WI, and Steve (Sherry) Huibregtse of Middleton, WI; granddaughter, Britta Rose Huibregtse; sisters, Colleen Kovacic of Chilton, WI, Barbara (Larry) Peterman of Helena, MT; brother-in-law David DeMaster of Cedar Grove, WI. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife Lavonne, his son Todd Huibregtse, parents, parents-in-law Marvin and Mildred Brill, brothers-in-law, Carl Brill, Ronald Kovacic and sister-in-law Eleanor DeMaster.

A Memorial Service will be held at the First Congregational Church – UCC, 310 Bluff Ave, Sheboygan, WI, 53081 at 11:00 am on Friday, January 24, 2025, with Pastor Jim Hollister presiding. Military honors will follow the service.

Family and friends may greet for a time of visitation at the church from 9:00am until the time of service. Internment will take place at Wildwood Cemetery with his wife at a later date.

Memorial donations can be made in James’s name to First Congregational Church, 310 Bluff Avenue, Sheboygan.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the nurses and staff at Pine Haven who became like a second family to him. Also, special thanks to the nursing staff at Compasses Hospice, as well as, friends Don & Judy Zimmerman of Sheboygan for their incredible compassion and support to the family.