James Harwood Kanvik

James Harwood Kanvik

December 05, 1942 - April 13, 2024

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McFarland - James Harwood Kanvik, age 81, of McFarland, passed away on Saturday, April 13, 2024. He was born on Dec. 5, 1942, in Madison, Wis., the son of Karl and Phyllis (Warner) Kanvik.


Jim graduated from Stoughton High School in 1961 and went on to get his bachelor’s degree at Milton College. On Oct. 7, 1966, he married Judith Kaupanger in Stoughton, Wis. Prior to retirement, James worked as a car salesperson for Ahrens Cadillac & Oldsmobile. He was a member of Trout Unlimited and the Madison Rotary.


Jim was an avid golfer, but also enjoyed hunting, fishing and boundary water canoeing. He loved all of Wisconsin sports, watching Wheel of Fortune, playing cards at the Stoughton Senior Center, spending time with his family, and watching the grandkids’ sporting events.


Jim is survived by his wife, Judith; daughter, Holly (Nancy Garcia) Kanvik; son, Erik (Michelle) Kanvik; grandchildren, Anthony, Sierra, Ava and Lily Kanvik; brother, John (Beverly) Kanvik; sisters, Sandy (Ken) Grant, Trudy (Ralph) Stroede and Marta Teletzke; and nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Mark Kanvik.

Private family services will be held. Memorials may be made to SSM Health at Home Hospice  <https://www.ssmhealth.com/services/health-at-home> or Southern Wisconsin Trout Unlimited.


His family will miss him dearly and remember him often.


Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.


Gunderson Stoughton
Funeral & Cremation Care
1358 Hwy 51 N. at Jackson St.
(608) 873-4590



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GH
Glenn Heckard
Other •
My prayers are for peace and comfort for Jim’s family. I came to know him through the Senior Golfers Traveling League and enjoyed every round with him. They say you get to know the real person during a game of golf and he was a genuinely good person.
MM
Mandy Ahrens Meier
Other •
Oh I am so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. He was my favorite person at the car dealership - always very nice to us as kids and as we grew up to be our own car buyers. He had such a wonderful twinkle in his eyes when he smiled. I wish you all fond memories and peace. Mandy Ahrens Meier
CA
Cate Ahrens
Other •
I have such great memories of Jim when he worked for our dad (Peter Ahrens). Any time one of us needed to purchase a car, dad always said “see Jim, he has the one for you and will handle.” Absolutely true and what a kind, thoughtful person he was.
TJ
TJ Johnson
Other •
Jim was an incredible salesperson and a great human being . I worked with Jim for over 20 years at Ahrens Cadillac . I remember one month he sold and delivered 44 cars! What I remember most was the trust Jim’s customers had in him. They often would tell him Jim just pick out something that I will like . Jim was so far ahead of the curve with leasing cars also . We spent many great ( well maybe not great in terms of my game ) times on the golf course . My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. TJ Johnson
MS
Marilyn Stauter
Other •
I’ve known Jim since we moved to Lake Kegonsa in 1956. He was a great neighbor, friend and classmate. To all the wonderful members of the Kanvik family I send my love and prayers for great memories of Jim. God bless you all. Marilyn Lance Stauter
SK
Susan Kanvik
Other •
My dad and Jim had an uncanny resemblance. Dad also liked to get his cars through Jim. My thoughts are with you all. Cousin Susan Kanvik

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