James Michael Werth

James “Jim” Michael Werth, 79, of Onalaska, WI passed away on Thursday, October 31st, 2024. 

Jim was born July 21st, 1945, in La Crosse, WI., the son of Arthur and Catherine Werth. He graduated from Aquinas High School with the class of 1963 and attended the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse where he graduated with a Bachelor of Business degree. 

He married his high school sweetheart Elizabeth “Bette” Crogan on January 15th, 1966, at St. Thomas More Catholic Church of La Crosse, WI. Together, Jim and Bette raised their four children: Michael, Susan, Jennifer and Matthew. 

He joined the Army National Guard in 1964. He worked as a Credit Manager for Trane Company in Tyler, Texas and La Crosse, Wisconsin. He later left Trane to continue working as a Credit Manager with La Crosse Footwear. When La Crosse Footwear closed its doors, Jim joined Trane Company once again until he retired. 

During his retirement, he enjoyed watching his Grandchildren’s concerts, plays and sporting events, along with golfing with his buddies and driving school bus. 

Jim and Bette were happily married for 58 years. Together, they enjoyed taking vacations to Florida during the winter months and fishing trips up north during the summer. They also enjoyed trips to Door County, which was a place they recently got to visit. Jim was always willing to take Bette on a car ride for an ice cream cone. 

He was the most loving Husband, Father, Papa, and friend and will be sorely missed by all. He is survived by his wife Bette; son, Michael (Crista) Werth of Orlando, FL.; daughter, Susan (Todd) Williams of La Crosse, WI.; daughter Jennifer (Dan) Hegge of La Crosse, WI; son Matthew (Jasmin) Werth of Lansing, IA; sister, Joan Werth of La Crosse, WI. Sister-in-law Loretta Turczyn of Milwaukee, WI. Sisters-in-law and brothers-in-laws; Mary (Jule) Zander, Kathy (Brad) Rux, Margaret Crogan, John (Julie) Crogan, Bonnie Crogan. Grandchildren; Nicholas Williams, Madison (Zack) Werth, Kaitlin (Jason) Ingram, Evan (Jessica) Hegge, Lauren Hegge, Aiden Werth, Asher Werth and August Werth. Step-grandchildren: Alex (Jody) Williams, Kelsey Williams, Christopher Carder and Emilee Carder. He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Catherine. Father and mother-in-law, Stewart and Madeline Crogan.  Brothers Lyle and Allan. Brothers-in-law, Jim Crogan, Mike Crogan, and sister-in-law, Patti Kline.  

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, November 11th at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Onalaska with Msgr. Steven Kachel officiating. Burial will follow in the Onalaska City Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church on Monday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the Mass.