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

A service celebrating Jim's life will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the United Presbyterian Church in Wisconsin Dells, WI. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00. 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. James 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 then returned pursuing his 40 plus 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 also 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 so enjoyed his golf with his loyal golf buddies to whom he was known as "Commander". He also enjoyed his fishing days immensely 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. He was a dedicated and loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and great-great-grandfather. His happiness was always seeing his girls and families healthy and happy.

Special thank you's to his loyal neighbors and friends, Dick and Martha Sobojinski and Laura and Mike Nate. to Debbie Reidelbach, for frequent calls and Mark and Rick Reidelbach for their visits. Also, 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 his daughters, Patricia Devine, WI Dells, Barbara Phelps, WI Dells, Sharon (Duff) Carney­Wright, Germantown, TN, Sue (Wayne) Golz, Middleton, WI; sister-in-law, Jean Balsmeider, WI Dells; grandchildren, Troy (Heather) Devine, IL, Daniel James Devine, WI, Nicholas Leinberger, GA, Chad (Julianne) Carney, TN, Christa Leonard, CA, Aaron (Tiffany) Golz, AZ; great-grandchildren, Cassidy, Connor and Thomas Devine, Taylor Ramos, Madison Leinberger, Karoline Stonecypher, Macy Leinberger, Emily, Caroline, Abby Carney, Jacy Barbara, Michaela Leonard; great-great-grandchild, Reyna Ramos; son-in law, Thomas Devine, Sun Prairie, WI, as well as  many nieces and nephew.

Jim is preceded in death by his beloved 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.