James Reidelbach

1924 - 2025

James Reidelbach

May 8, 1924 - July 19, 2025

James W. Reidelbach, age 101, of Wisconsin Dells, WI, peacefully passed on Saturday, July 19, 2025.

A service celebrating Jim's life will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 11 a.m. at the United Presbyterian Church in Wisconsin Dells, WI. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11. Inurnment will be at the Spring Grove Cemetery. Military Honors will be provided.

James was born on May 8, 1924, in Roscoe, IL, to Ferdinand and Verona (Lukas) Reidelbach. He graduated from Aquainas High School in Lacrosse and then entered the U.S. Navy in 1943 as an aviation gunner and pilot assigned to patrolling Central America from Japanese invasion. He was very proud and honored to serve his country. James returned pursuing his 40 years of telegraphy for the Milwaukee Railroad, along with working as a sales district manager for the Vernon Company until he was 90, when he retired and missed his customers/friends dearly. James believed in giving back to his community and was actively involved with the American Legion and honored for 70-plus years and for saving the American Legion High School Baseball Program, coaching and umpiring, participating in many Military Celebrations of Life, fundraisers and many events. James also officiated High School Football games and had a love for coaching and playing baseball. He was very active in Rotary and Kiwanis dedicating many weekends in parades as a Kiwanis clown and many events, including delivering food baskets at Thanksgiving, returning home tearfully, reminding his family how fortunate we were. James enjoyed his golf with his loyal golf buddies to whom he was known as "Commander". He also enjoyed his fishing days with his family and friends, and Dorothy and Jim's many friends during their travels and homes in Winter Haven, FL, Jordan Lake and Wisconsin Dells, and grandchildren's events. Most importantly, he was a great life coach living his life to the fullest and was so dedicated as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather. His happiness was always seeing his girls and families healthy and happy. A special thank you to his loyal neighbors and friends, Dick and Martha Sobojinski and Laura and Mike Nate. Also, a special thank you to Bright Star, Riverwood Senior Living, and SSM Hospice staff for the loving care you all gave to Jim. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in memory of Jim to: SSM Hospice, 1600 Jefferson Street, Baraboo, WI 53913.

James is survived by Patricia Devine, Barbara Phelps, Sharon (Duff) Carney­Wright, Sue (Wayne) Golz; sister-in-law, Jean Balsmeider; six grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild, Reyna Ramos; son-in law, Thomas Devine; as well as many nieces and nephew. Jim is preceded in death wife, Dorothy; siblings, Margaret (Phil) Phelps, William (Marianne) Reidelbach, Robert (Barbara) Reidelbach; brother-in-law, Charles Balsmeider; and sons-in-law, Herb Leinberger and Mark Carney. For online condolences and information, go to www.pichafuneralhome.com.

Picha Funeral Home - Wisconsin Dells