Jeffrey Lee Baertsch

Jeffrey Lee Baertsch, age 70 of Fountain City, WI passed away peacefully at Gundersen Health in La Crosse, WI on July 9, 2024, after a recent diagnosis of lymphoma.  Jeff was born July 6, 1954 in Whitehall, WI to Austin and Ester (Vnuk) Baertsch. He graduated from Cochrane-Fountain City High School and went to work at Fiberite Manufacturing in Winona, MN, where he worked for 30 years until becoming disabled due to a medical issue in 2002. Jeff was united in marriage to Donna Averbeck of Buffalo City, WI on August 30, 1975 at St. Lawrence Parish in Alma, WI. To this reunion three children were born, Brett, Kevin and Amy. They lived in Buffalo City for seven years and then moved to the Fountain City area in 1982. They eventually built their home near the Baertsch homestead and became fifth generation owners of the farm in 2002. Baertsch Valley Farm was a huge part of Jeff’s life and he spent hours working the farm in addition to his job at Fiberite. He enjoyed sports immensely playing slow pitch and fast pitch softball, flag football, volleyball, bowling, shooting pool and hunting. In later years, he spent his time with his beloved dog Nikki and watching documentaries and sports on television, cheering on the Packers, Bucks and Brewers. He enjoyed spending time with friends, family and his grandchildren. As his disability slowly took over his life, Jeff continually worked to overcome the obstacles it put in his path. He is finally free of pain and at peace. Jeff will be remembered for his easy-going personality, willingness to help others and friendship with many. His wish to be an organ donor carried on his willingness to help others.  Jeff will be forever in the hearts of his wife Donna, sons Brett Baertsch (Robin Russell) of Buffalo City; Kevin (Kelsey) Baertsch of Fountain City; and daughter Amy Baertsch (Jeff Curtin) of Rochester, MN; and cherished grandchildren Ciara, Jaxson, Alee, Oaklen and Finn. Also surviving him is his sister Janice Rolbiecki; sister-in-laws Cindy (Rick) Penning, Roxanne Radsek, Brenda (Monte) Fernholz, Cara Averbeck and brother-in-law Bruno (Veronica) Averbeck and their families. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers James Baertsch and Jerry Baertsch, and brothers-in-law Randy Radsek, Rex Averbeck and Gregory Averbeck as well as his father-in-law and mother-in-law Glenn and Marion Averbeck. A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday, July 27, 2024 at 11:00 am at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Fountain City. A memorial gathering will be held on Friday, July 26 from 4:00 until 7:00 pm at the Talbot Family Funeral Home, Alma, WI and again at the church on Saturday one hour prior to the Mass. Honorary pallbearers are Mike Kouba, Denny Davis, Fred Ziegler and Charlie Buchmiller. Talbot Family Funeral Home-Scenic Rivers Cremation Center is assisting the family with arrangements.