James Robert "Jim" Stroede

1965 - 2023

Jim Stroede passed away peacefully on Friday, August 4th, at his home surrounded by his children. Jim was a master fisherman, member of IBEW 159, chaplain, Catholic Deacon, beloved brother, friend, husband and father.

He was born James Robert Stroede on April 13th, 1965, to Robert Edwin Stroede and Mary "Eileen" (Murray) Stroede in Madison, Wisconsin, the youngest of four children. He grew up in Oregon, Wisconsin, fishing and hunting the area with his father, brother and friends. He graduated Oregon High School in 1983, eventually pursuing a career as a journeyman electrician in Madison. In 1994, Jim fell in love with the girl next door, Marguerite Sommers, and they married in 1995. Among many things, they shared the love of travel, hiking, breakfast at restaurants and drinking good coffee.

Jim and Marguerite pursued a dream and moved up to northwest Wisconsin in 2001. Jim became a self-employed electrician and a fishing guide on the lakes around Spooner and Hayward. On breaks between gigs, he could be found napping on the living room floor with his kids scattered all around him and talking to him all at once. Despite working more than full-time, Jim was an incredibly present and patient parent. He encouraged all of his children to pursue their passions.

Jim's own passion was fishing. He was a great teacher on the water, encouraging each person in the boat to have a great time, no matter the catch at the end of the day. He shared his passion off the water too, as a contributing writer to Musky Hunter Magazine, among others, and presenting at the Mad Musky School in Madison.

Jim's calling and spiritual philosophy was to serve all people. Supported by Marguerite, he became a Deacon in the Catholic Church. With his fellow parishioners, St. Francis de Sales started free community dinners. He was active with Faith in Action, led prayer services at nursing homes and visited with anyone who needed someone to listen. He found great purpose in 2013 with his new career as a spiritual care coordinator with Regional Hospice. Jim's unique gifts and his gentle wisdom allowed him to accompany many people in their journeys at the end of life.

Jim was a naturalist at heart. He felt closest to God and to his soulmate, Marguerite, when surrounded by the forest or near the Namekagon River. He found great joy in identifying birds, in naming whitetail deer with his children and making the perfect cup of medium roast coffee in the morning.

Jim was diagnosed with cancer shortly after the loss of Marguerite in 2021. Cancer took nearly everything, but he never lost his sense of humor. Even in his last days, he was able to communicate with wit. His children will always miss him.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and his loving wife, Marguerite, and infant brother Ronald. He is survived by his siblings David Stroede, Jean (Don) Ripp and Diane Stroede; his many, many nieces and nephews; and his children, Lucia, Willow, Bridget, Catriona, Forrest, Violet and Linnea.

A funeral mass will be held at St. Francis de Sales in Spooner Saturday, August 12th, at 2:30 PM. All are welcome to attend. There will be a one-hour visitation prior to the funeral.