Paul James Pj Lomas

SOLDIERS GROVE Paul James PJ Lomas, age 91, of Soldiers Grove, died Monday April 10, 2017, at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse, WI. PJ, as he was known by his friends, was born on April 2, 1926 to Jule and Hazel (Wilkenson) Lomas at their farm on Halverson Ridge. He lived there until he was 8 or 9 years old when the family moved to Zintz Rd where he grew up learning to farm. PJ served his country in the U.S. Army. During part of his tour PJ and his best friend and brother, Jake were together stationed at the same time in Germany. Once out of the service he went back to farming. PJ owned and operated his milk hauling business and fleet of trucks. Then after many years of driving he became co-owner of an apple orchard. PJ was an active member of the Gays Mills Sportsman Club. He enjoyed watching professional wrestling on TV and loved playing cards at Town Tap. What he really treasured was spending time with his best friend Jake, whether it was fishing with him and his son, or taking one of their road-tripping excursions, which didnt have to be a long distance trip so long as it took all day. Time with Jake was time well spent, particularly every Wednesday at the Sale Barn in Viola. He raised six wonderful children and is now survived by them: Nancy (Larry) Olson, Diane (Bill) Coleman, Paul James Lomas Jr., Bob (Pam) Lomas, Ruth (Ken) Baures and Goldie (Matt) Barlow; his seventeen grandchildren: Lori (George) Clark, Billy Gwaltney, Jim (Chris) Olson, Jamie Lomas, Billie (James) Ralph, Travis Lomas, Todd (Kelsey) Lomas, Kelly (Mike) Cunningham, Reggie (Karen) Lomas, Kristin (Russ) Ihm, Michael (Kristen) Rodriguez, Joseph (Emily Bosma) Rodriguez, Hazel Jean, Kenny and Jimmy Baures and Jason Odell and Janey Barlow; also surviving are 29 great-grandchildren; 20 great-great-grandchildren; a sister, Harriet Heisz; brothers: Ralph (Ruth) Lomas, Matt (Myrna) Lomas and Kenneth (Mary Lou) Lomas. He was preceded in death by: his parents; two grandsons: Paul James Ryan Lomas and Gordon Odell; two sisters: Beatrice Rousch and Peggy Lomas; five brothers: Frank, Harold, his best friend Jake, Earl and an infant brother Jimmy; and a brother-in-law Gene Heisz, A Funeral Service for P.J. will be held Friday, April 14, 2017 at 11:00 AM at the Vosseteig Funeral Home, Hwy. 131 and Sunset Ridge Ave., in Gays Mills. Lay Minister, Wayne Goplin will officiate with burial and Military Honors, in Union Cemetery at Mt. Zion. Friends may call during a visitation on Thursday, April 13, 2017 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at the funeral home and again one hour before the service on Friday. In lieu of flowers or plants memorials may be directed to Ocooch Mountain Fire and Rescue, or Soldiers Grove Fire and Rescue Services. On-line condolences may be offered at www.vossfh.com The Vosseteig Funeral Home of Gays Mills is serving the family.