James L. Hoehl

James L. Hoehl, age 61, of Lancaster, died peacefully on Wednesday, February 4, 2009, surrounded by his loving human and feline family at his home in Lancaster. He was born on January 23, 1948, in Fergus Falls, MN, the son of Herman J. and Mildred (Taylor) Hoehl. Jim graduated from Wausau High School in 1966. Jim served in the U.S. Air Force from 1967-1971 and furthered his education at the U.W. Marathon County Campus (Wausau, WI) and University of Wisconsin at Madison obtaining an Associates Degree in Accounting and a Bachelor of Business Administration, respectively. Jim was employed with Food Services of America, Neenah, WI. In 1989, he relocated to Lancaster to be closer to his family (especially his nephews, Brian and Jason) and worked at Grant County Social Services as a supervisor. His goal to retire and become a full-time volunteer was met in 2003. Throughout his battle with cancer for 15 years, Jim never waivered from his goal. He gladly gave thousands of hours to over 13 committees and non-profit agencies, e.g., Lancaster Area Community Food Pantry, Salvation Army, St. Clement Church and School, Knights of Columbus, SHARE, American Cancer Society, Disabled American Veterans Transportation, and Orchard Manor. His greatest achievement was the LIFE program that he established and sustained for the last five years. Though not expected, he was recognized by The City of Lancaster, Disabled American Veterans, and Wisconsin Food Security Consortium for his dedication. In addition, he was honored to serve on Bishop Morlinos Pastoral Council. Jim was well-known as Uncle Jim in Hazel Green as he proudly donned the Southwestern blue and white colors when attending school and sporting events for his nephews, Brian and Jason. As U.W Madison alumnus, he was an unwaivering, faithful red and white Bucky Badger fan. As sick as he was, he sat up and watched his last Badger basketball game on Saturday. Jim lived for family and his extended family the community and church. Throughout his struggle, Jim especially appreciated the constant love and support he received from his families. Their love helped him through much pain and helped him live each day to its fullest. His faith soothed him as he prepared for his journey to eternal life.

Survivors include his sister: Carol (Dan) Kopp, Hazel Green; nephews: Brian Kopp, Madison; Jason Kopp, Winona, MN; brother: Joe Hoehl, Platteville; nephew, Jon (Lisa) Siemonsma and children Thomas and Sydney; niece: Shelly (Mike) Eggers and children, Amanda and Adam; sister-in-law: Jan Reese, all of Sioux Falls, SD; his cats: Marigold and Elizabeth.

He is preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles.

Funeral services were held on Monday, February 9, 2009, at St. Clement Catholic Church in Lancaster at 10:30 a.m. with Father William J. Seipp presiding and Msgr. Daniel T. Ganshert and Msgr. Thomas Baxter concelebrating. Burial with military honors was at St. Clement Cemetery, Lancaster. Friends called on Sunday, February 8, 2009, from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with a Knights of Columbus Rosary at 3:00 p.m. at Schwartz Funeral Home, Lancaster. Friends also called on Monday, from 9:30 a.m. until time of services at the church.

It is Jims wish that memorials be sent in lieu of flowers, which in turn will be donated to local non-profit agencies.

Jim and his family are forever grateful to extended family and friends who showed their affection and concern through countless acts of kindness in the form of prayer, meals, cards, letters and visits. A special, heartfelt thank you to Grant County Hospice -especially Mary K. and Chris C., who so lovingly cared for Jim, as well as Father Bill and Bill Manthe for always being there for us no matter what time of day it was.

Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some people stay awhile and leave footprints on our hearts and we are never the same.