James Riemann

James A. Riemann, age 73, of Mondovi, WI, passed away on Sunday, August 2, 2015 surrounded by his loving family in the comfort of his home. Jim was born on July 20, 1942. He graduated from Gilmanton High School and attended Barber School in Eau Claire. Jim married his high school sweetheart, Betty Jane Gehrke on March 17, 1963. They enjoyed 52 loving years together. He owned a barber shop in Middleton. After 30 years at Oscar Mayer in Madison, he retired at the youthful age of 57. Jim and Betty built their retirement home in “God’s country” where they enjoyed the wildlife right out their backdoor. Jim’s family always came first! He coached both daughters’ softball teams. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing cards (especially cribbage), the Packers and Cubs, rolling lefse, picking strawberries, manicuring his lawn, antiquing, toothpicks, watching the “Price is Right” and making his two fried eggs every morning. For Jim, nothing could beat a Snickers and chocolate cake. Jim is survived by his wife, Betty Jane; daughters, Janet (Craig) Adams, Joanne (Dale) Austin, of Madison; grandchildren, Andrew (Gretchen) Adams of Eau Claire, Joni (Tyler) Adams-Corrigan of West Allis, and Julie and Kelly Austin of Madison; great-granddaughters, Audrey and Norah Corrigan; and his sister, Donna Rick-Walters of Racine. He is also survived by a sister-in-law, brother-in-laws, nieces, nephews and many fishing buddies including Bud and Sue. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Herbie and Stella Riemann, and Betty’s parents, Arnold and Lillian Gehrke. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Betty Riemann, supporting the new and exciting “Jim Riemann Puzzle Pastime” project. Betty will become known as the “puzzle lady” at Dunlap Cancer Center, Mayo Clinic Health System, in Eau Claire. Each new cancer-treatment patient will receive a new puzzle to help pass the time during treatments. Jim, Betty and family spent many hours through the years putting puzzles together. A family and close-friend service will be held on Friday, August 7 at 2PM. Everyone is invited for a celebration of Jim’s life from 4PM to 7PM at the Talbot Funeral Home in Mondovi, WI. Be sure to bring your cribbage playing skills, as we’ll have boards and cards available to play the game he loved. The family wishes to thank Hospice staff, especially nurse Trudy and Chaplain Dale during this beautiful journey the family experienced through Jim’s faith, strength and positivity.