James Frank Prieve
November 1, 1955 - October 11, 2025
LODI, WISCONSIN - James Frank Prieve, age 69, passed away on October 11, 2025, from injuries sustained in a tragic automobile accident. He was born on November 1, 1955, the son of Donald and Mary Jean (Boyce) Prieve. Jim graduated from Madison East High School in 1973. He married the love of his life, Audrey (Karls) in 1977. They spent 48 years of a very eventful life together. He was a devoted husband and father to Zachary and William. Jim also spent 42 years of his working life as a dedicated Machinist and Maintenance Mechanic for GE Healthcare in Madison. He also spent more than 30 years coaching soccer in both Lodi and Waunakee. He enjoyed providing youth in the communities with an outlet to try out the sport and offered guidance and support for their athletic and personal development. Throughout the years, he found much joy in watching students learn and grow in their skills and confidence. Often, he became a secondary father figure to many by simply taking a few extra minutes of his day to offer a thoughtful ear and mentoring. Jim also had a perceptive eye, soft heart and helpful hand for anyone that was struggling. Generally, he could fix or build items needed to complete necessary functions with his creativity and innate knowledge. Lastly Jim loved the outdoors and spending time on the Karls family farm. He enjoyed hunting and helping Bill and William with the farm chores, including planting and harvesting the crops.
Jim is survived by his wife, Audrey; son, Zachary (Bailey McCrea); grandchildren, Maxwell, Royer and Berkley Prieve; sisters-in-law, Fay (Steve) Schmitt and Bonnie Morter Karls; sister, Kathy (Prieve) Campbell; brother, Donald (Spike) Prieve. He was preceded in death by his mother and father; sisters, Cheryl Brown and Lou Ann Acker; father and mother-in-law, William and Diane Karls; brother-in-law., Richard W. Karls; and his son, William X. Prieve.
We will miss Jim's kind, gentle and helpful spirit.
I tell you the truth, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death. John 8:51
Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at GUNDERSON LODI FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 157 S Main St., Lodi, WI, and again on Wednesday from 9 a.m. until the time of the service at the church. A Service of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. at ST. MAXIMILIAN KOLBE PASTORATE AT ST. PATRICK CHURCH LODI, 521 Fair Street, Lodi, WI on Wednesday October 29, 2025. Burial will be in St. Patrick's Catholic Cemetery. Family request memorials to be made to the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation.
For more information and online condolences please visit
www.gundersonfh.comGunderson Lodi
Funeral & Cremation Care
157 S. Main St.
(608) 592-3201
Published by Madison.com on Oct. 26, 2025.