James Szudzik

James “Sudz” Szudzik, lovingly known to many simply as “Sudz,” passed away peacefully on August 17, 2026, at his home in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, surrounded by his loving wife, Nancy, after a courageous battle with Inclusion Body Myositis (IBM).
Sudz was born on August 28, 1946, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Edmund and Rita Szudzik. He grew up a loyal baseball fan and spent his younger years delivering newspapers throughout his neighborhood for the Grand Rapids Press. He attended St. Thomas Elementary School and later Catholic Central High School.
Sudz went on to attend Michigan State University, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree and proudly remained true to the Michigan rivalry, always siding with the green. Following college, he proudly served in the United States Army.
Throughout his career, Sudz worked for Miller Brewing Company and several beer distributors, including Beer Capitol in Milwaukee. He later worked for Philip Morris International. His career and life took him to many places, but this Michigan native ultimately made Wisconsin his home. He and Nancy made their home in Menomonee Falls, where they eventually retired and enjoyed their years together with their much-loved rescue dogs, who were an important part of their lives.
After settling in Wisconsin, Sudz developed an enduring love for the Milwaukee Brewers. He attended games whenever he could, and even when IBM made it difficult for him to go to the ballpark, he never missed a game from home. His love of baseball went beyond simply watching the games. Sudz knew the players, followed the statistics, and could always be counted on to share a stat or two. In fact, he was still quoting Brewers statistics the day before he passed away.
Sudz was known for his extraordinary kindness and generosity to everyone he met, but he held a special place in his heart for his nieces and nephews. He shared his love of baseball with them, taking them to games and creating memories they will cherish for a lifetime. He had a special way of making each of them feel loved, welcomed, and important.
While IBM was a devastating disease, Sudz never allowed it to define him. He never lost his joy for life, his joyous spirit, or his positive outlook. Even as the disease brought increasing challenges, he continued to find reasons to smile, laugh, enjoy the people around him, and appreciate each day. His strength, optimism, and ability to embrace life were an inspiration to everyone who knew him.
Sudz will be remembered for his unwavering loyalty, wonderful sense of humor, love of sports, dedication to his work, and, most importantly, his deep love for his family. He had a way of bringing joy and laughter to those around him, and his warm spirit will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Nancy; his siblings, Robert Szudzik (Renee), Marge Hensch (Richard), Mary Cole (Dave), and Tom Szudzik (Susan); his nieces and nephews, Amy Dunleavy (Michael), Scott Szudzik (Morgan), Denise Dunleavy (Ryan), Michael Hensch (Kim), Lisa Maier (Jesse), Bryan Hensch (Molly), Malia Cole, Hillary Klarr (Rob), Marilyn Szudzik, and Greg Szudzik. He is also survived by Donna Kelly (Jerry Kleppin) and Bryan Wygert (Janet), and their daughters, Alli Kelly (Doug Hecht) and Saylor Wygert. He will also be deeply missed by his many great-nieces and great-nephews and cherished friends.
Sudz will be deeply missed, but his laughter, positivity, love of sports, and zest for life will live on in the hearts of his family and friends. He leaves behind a legacy of love, loyalty, humor, and a reminder to find joy in every day.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, August 25, 2026, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Schramka Funeral Home, W164 N9034 Water Street, Menomonee Falls, WI 53051, followed by a brief service celebrating Sudz’s life.
Interment will be held Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 21731 Spring Street, Union Grove, WI 53182. Those attending are asked to arrive by 9:30 a.m., at which time the group will proceed to the chapel for the Honor Guard ceremony.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that memorials be made in Sudz's memory to The Myositis Association at www.myositis.org.