VISITATION: Sunday, September 14th, 2025 from 1:00pm-3:00pm, Hales Corners Lutheran Church (12300 W. Janesville Rd.)

FUNERAL SERVICE: Sunday, September 14th, 2025 at 3:00pm, Hales Corners Lutheran Church (12300 W. Janesville Rd.)

James Edward Druse

born March 13^th, 1945, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, called home to the Lord on Tuesday, September 2^nd, 2025. James’ parents were the late Walter and Dorothy Druse, who owned a hardware store at 3401 West National Ave. James was baptized and confirmed at the Ascension Lutheran Church. James was joined in marriage to Joy Lynn (nee Heinan) for over 51 years. He is further survived by their 2 daughters, Jennifer Dodge and Jamie (Matt) Haney, and 7 grandchildren: Walter, Abigail, Zoey, and Logan Dodge, Artemis, Connor, and Ethan Haney. Further survived by other relatives and friends.

James attended the Milwaukee Public School System K-12. He later attended UWM, Milton College, and Whitewater, receiving his masters in Special Education at Cardinal Stritch. During the summer, James attended teacher education classes at the State School for the blind in Janesville, WI. After graduating from Milton College, James taught classes in music to the visually impaired, physically handicapped, developmentally disabled, and deaf students. James retired from teaching after 34 years. He has taught music lessons privately out of his home for over 47 years and for the Milwaukee Public Schools on Saturday mornings.

He gained interest in music by joining the Junior Choir at the age of 9 and has continued singing in choirs throughout his life. He was overjoyed to be able to sing in the choir again at Pastor Johnson’s funeral.

 James has also played in the Big Band and Bell Choir at Hales Corners Lutheran and has directed the Brass Choir for 10 years.

He enjoyed woodworking, making everything from bird houses to toys to furniture. A favorite project was making a 5-foot rocking giraffe for his grandchildren. He was Vice President of the Greendale Jaycees. His biggest project was directing the Greendale Village Day parade. He loved snowmen, especially Olaf from Frozen, because they were not violent and they are displayed at home all year round. Holidays were always special, and he loved decorating. He said the decorations were like his bulletin boards at school. Christmas was the best with 6 decorated trees and numerous battery-operated snowmen. The house was featured in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Inflatables were the favorite to decorate the yard for every holiday. He had a large collection of crazy hats, which he wore to the health club. After giving up his driver’s license, he could be seen riding his scooter in the neighborhood. He enjoyed traveling, especially to Europe, and going to the local ethnic festivals. He was able to trace his ancestry back to the 1600s and connected with relatives during a vacation in Germany.

He touched the lives of many children. He met a student at Disney World, who, in the middle of the street, sang all the songs James taught him.

James became a master mason at West Allis Lodge and Day Lite Lodge, where he played organ for the meetings. James also became a member of the Scottish Rite and the Tripoli Shrine. As a member of the Tripoli Highlander Pipe Band, he had many enjoyable experiences marching and raising money for the Shrine Hospitals.

Visitation will take place on Sunday, September 14^th, 2025, at HALES CORNERS LUTHERAN CHURCH (12300 W. Janesville Rd.) from 1:00 pm until the time of service at 3:00 pm. Private family burial at Forest Home Cemetery.

To honor James’ wishes, please wear happy, bright colors.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Shriners Hospitals are appreciated.

 

HERITAGE FUNERAL HOMES

New Berlin                 262-901-1140

www.heritagefuneral.com

 

Note: This obituary is the property of Heritage Funeral Homes and is published here with permission from the family. If you are viewing it on any website other than www.heritagefuneral.com, please be aware it has been copied without consent and may not reflect the most accurate or complete information.

PRINT