JAMES W. BARTH

JAMES W. BARTH

     James W. Barth was called home by his loving Savior Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2023, holding the hand of his wife of 67 years. Jim had been living at Neillsville Retirement Community since March after multiple strokes.

     Jim was born April 24, 1934, in the town of Fremont to Johnny and Hilda (Quicker) Barth. He attended country schools in the town of Lynn and in the Marshfield School District while helping on his family’s farm. James served in the U.S. Navy for two years on various destroyers as a fireman in the boiler room. On April 7, 1956, Jim married the love of his life, Marjorie E Galbreath. Except for their time in the Navy, Jim and Margie lived in the Town of Lynn doing what they loved most, raising their family and farming. In 1992, they “retired” from farming, but kept the original 100 acres of his family farm, building their home 100 feet from his birth place. 

     A farmer is never really retired, so Jim was outside every day doing something in his yard or machine shed or taking his ATV to check the fences and fields. Jim always wore many hats over the years, working at various other jobs too. He seemed to be the one his family went to if we needed something done.

     Jim is survived by his wife, Marjorie, and two children, Michael (Dee) Barth, Onalaska, and Sandra (Terry) Schmitz, Granton. He was “Grandpa” to five grandchildren, Nathan (Tanya) Barth, Tara (Michael) Kamien, Kortney (Alex) Folk, Logan (Hali) Schmitz and Nicholas Schmitz; and one step-grandson, Travis Norling. He was so very proud to be “Great-grandpa” to nine great-grandchildren, Kaitlin and Lukas Barth, Colton, Lawson and Garrett Kamien, Kora and Adeline Folk and Tobin and Tessa Schmitz. He is also lovingly survived as “Uncle Jim” to many nieces and nephews. You ALL held a special place in his heart. He is also survived by two sisters-in-law, Shirley Barth and Mae Revak.

     Jim was predeceased by his parents; brothers Robert Barth and Raymond Barth; sister Norma Vandenbergen; brother-in-law Harold Vandenbergen; and one step-grandson Troy Norling. 

     Jim and Margie are members of Zion American Lutheran Church of Granton. His funeral and celebration of life will be held at a later date.

     Our family cannot express enough thanks to the amazing staff at Neillsville Retirement Community. We want to thank Tammy, Peggy, Robyn, Morgan, MacKenzie, Cassie, Emily, Paige, Lily and Wendell, and also the very special ladies of Compassus Hospice, Maranna, Dawn, Mariah and Jackie, as well as the spiritual staff. Without you all, Dad’s last months on earth would have been so much harder. You all are angels among us.

     Online condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com.

     The Gesche Funeral Home is assisting James’s family with funeral arrangements.