James "Jim" Riesenberg

James "Jim" (Rimfire) Riesenberg, 83, passed away on February 10, 2026, from complications of Parkinson's disease at Rocky Knoll Health Care Facility. Jim was born on September 16, 1942, in St. James, Minnesota, the second of eight children born to Tony and Aldine (Foley) Riesenberg. He attended St. James Catholic School and graduated from St. James High School in 1960.

Jim served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. A graduate of the Brown Institute of Radio and Television Broadcasting, he was employed by KSTP Radio & Television in Minneapolis and WPLY Radio in Plymouth. His working life also included employment with the United States Postal Service and Gilson Brothers Manufacturing in Plymouth.

In January 1987, the Sheboygan County Board appointed Jim to the position of County Veterans Service Officer, a job he often referred to as "the job of my dreams." He retired from that position in September 2008. During his tenure as CVSO, he was instrumental in establishing the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) hospital van service, transporting area veterans to the Zablocki VA Hospital in Milwaukee. It was during his tenure as President of the Wisconsin Association of County Veteran Service Officers (2001-2002) that Native American Tribal Service Officers received formal accreditation.

Jim served on, and or chaired numerous veteran-related committees/boards/councils, including President of the NEA CVSO Association, CVSO Advisory Council, and represented the Wisconsin State Council, Vietnam Veterans of America, on the prestigious Council on Veterans Programs (an advisory council to the Governor and Legislature). He was a member of the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers. He served on Local Board 68 of the Selective Service System, including several years as local board chairman, and served on U.S. Senator Herb Kohl's Military Academy selection committee.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his brothers, Bill (1983), John (2012), and Rick (2025); his stepson, Todd Hughes (1986); and his step-great-granddaughter, Cydney Hughes (2000).

Jim is survived by sisters, Michelle Engelby of Madelia, Minnesota, and Pam (Mrs. Jim) Kietzer of Vernon Center, Minnesota, and brothers, Gary and Kevin of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Jim is also survived by: his stepsons, Nick (Jill) Hughes of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, and Curt (Christine) Hughes of Stewartville, Minnesota; step-grandchildren Ethan (Alison) Hughes, Lauren Hughes, Caitlyn (Lucas) DeCook, and Cayden Hughes; step-great-granddaughters Daisy DeCook and Sierra DeCook; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Jim was an outspoken (and sometimes loud) advocate for veterans and veterans' benefits and was active in several veterans' organizations. He was a life member of AMVETS City of Elms Memorial Post 18, Sheboygan, a charter life member and first President of Sheboygan County Chapter 618, Vietnam Veterans of America, and a 50-year member of Ladewig Zinkgraf American Legion Post 243 in Plymouth (he served as 2nd District Service Officer and adjutant to the Sheboygan County Council). He was a member of Sheboygan County Voiture 1080 La Socie't' des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux. (The Society of 40 Men & 8 Horses). He was also a member of the Shoreline Striders and Fond Du Lac running clubs.

Many things occupied Jim's spare time. He enjoyed being outdoors, walking, running, snowshoeing, hunting, fishing, and grubbing in his flower garden. He started and finished his only full marathon two weeks after his 65th birthday. He enjoyed reading, classic country music, photography, and old airplanes (mostly with tail hooks). In addition to his family, his best friend Art, and his beloved Minnesota Vikings, Jim enjoyed and appreciated the company of honest people, a good cigar, a well-manufactured martini, and a medium-rare steak.

Per Jim's request, there will be no public service. Following cremation, inurnment with military honors will take place at Fort Snelling VA National Cemetery in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Memorials may be made to the Sheboygan County Veterans Memorial or The High Ground, W7031 Ridge Road, Neillsville, WI 54456.

Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes, Wittkopp location, served the family. Expressions of sympathy can be made to the family by visiting www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com

As you travel on your journey through life, keep a smile on your face. It is like a light in the window that tells the world there is somebody home.