James R. Lichtie

On Wednesday October 14th, 2015 James “Jim” Lichtie, 72, of La Crosse, was welcomed into eternal life by his Lord and Savior and was greeted by his parents, three brothers, two sister- in- laws, two brother-in-laws and his in-laws.
He was born on Monday, April 26, 1943 in La Crosse to Ray and Marie (Klahn) Lichtie and was raised on the family farm in Barre Mills and attended school in Barre Mills and West Salem.
Jim married his high school sweetheart, Mary Wuensch on July 7, 1960 at St. Joseph Ridge Catholic Church.
He first worked with his dad building houses. He then worked as a car mechanic at the Mobil station and local car dealerships and then his own station, Jim’s Deep Rock. Jim started a 32 year career at Inland Printing in the maintenance department where he kept the presses rolling day and night. Jim was a big part of the business as it grew and more buildings, presses, and equipment were added. He was blessed with a special talent to be able to repair anything. If he couldn’t get a needed part, he went to the shop and made one.
Besides spending time with family and friends, some of his favorite past times included fishing, playing cards, picking morel mushrooms, and puttering in his Putter Shop. He had several “special” canine friends in his life; Brownie, Buddy and Bode who spent many hours with him and rode shotgun in the pickup. Jim was known by many names including Dad, Papa, Grandpa, Gramps, Marshmallow, Jimmy and Jimbo… we love you, rest in peace.
Jim is survived by his wife, Mary and their six children; Debbie (Shawn) Janusheske, Julie (Paul) Lydon, Tim, Dan, Rich, and Ron Lichtie, two sisters; Mary Lichtie of McFarland and Carol Kaiser of La Crosse; one brother; Joe Lichtie of Salt Lake City, nine grandchildren; Jeremy, Sarah, Ryan, Kyrstin, Kathryn, Gretchen, Elisabeth, Talon, and Samantha; two great granddaughters; Lucy Lynn and Brynn Elizabeth. He is further survived by many nieces and nephews, special brother and sister in laws and other close family members Yvonne Malay, Lisa Mikkelson, Heather Lichtie and Lindsey Soper.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Monday October 19th, at 10:30 AM at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in La Crosse. Rev. Rick Roberts will officiate. Visitation will be held on Sunday from 1-4 PM at the Schumacher-Kish Funeral and Cremation Services, 200 West Avenue, La Crosse where a prayer service will be held at 3:30 PM. Visitation will also be held at the church on Monday from 9:30 AM until the time of services. A private family burial will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made to Holy Trinity Catholic Church or Gundersen Medical Foundation or the charity of the donor’s choice.
Special thanks to Jim’s longtime friends and care providers, Dr. Michael Dolan, Verona Lachmann, RN, and all of the staff who cared for him at Gundersen Health System during his medical journey through life.