James W. Barth

James W Barth was called home by his loving Savior on Wednesday, October 11, 2023, holding the hand of his wife of 67 years.   Jim had been living at Neillsville Retirement Community since March, after multiple strokes.

Jim was born April 24, 1934 in the Town of Fremont to Johnny & Hilda (Quicker) Barth.  He attended country schools in Town of Lynn and in the Marshfield School District, while helping on his family’s farm.  James served in the US Navy for two years, on various destroyers as a fireman in the boiler room.  On April 7, 1956, Jim married the love of his life, Marjorie E Galbreath.  Except for their time in the Navy, Jim & Margie lived in the Town of Lynn, doing what they loved most: raising their family and farming.  In 1992, they “retired” from farming, but kept the original 100 acres of his family farm, building their home 100 feet from his birth place.  A farmer is never really retired so Jim was outside every day doing something in his yard or machine shed, or taking his ATV to check the fences and fields.   Jim always wore many hats over the years, working at various other jobs too.  He seemed to be the one his family went to if we needed something done.

Jim is survived by his wife, Marjorie and two children, Michael (Dee) Barth, Onalaska, and Sandra (Terry) Schmitz, Granton.  He was “Grandpa” to five grandchildren:  Nathan (Tanya) Barth, Tara (Michael) Kamien, Kortney (Alex) Folk, Logan (Hali) Schmitz & Nicholas Schmitz, and one step grandson Travis Norling.  He was so very proud to be “Great Grandpa” to nine great grandchildren:  Kaitlin & Lukas Barth, Colton, Lawson & Garrett Kamien, Kora & Adeline Folk, and Tobin & Tessa Schmitz.  He is also lovingly survived as “Uncle Jim” to many nieces and nephews.  You ALL held a special place in his heart.  He is also survived by two sisters in law: Shirley Barth and Mae Revak.

Jim was predeceased by his parents, brothers Robert Barth, Raymond Barth, sister Norma Vandenbergen, brother in law Harold Vandenbergen, and one step grandson Troy Norling.  Jim & Margie are members of Zion American Lutheran Church of Granton.   Funeral & celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Our family cannot express enough thanks to the amazing staff at Neillsville Retirement Community.  We want to thank Tammy, Peggy, Robyn, Morgan, MacKenzie, Cassie, Emily, Paige, Lily & Wendell, and also the very special ladies of Compassus Hospice: Maranna, Dawn, Mariah & Jackie, as well as the spiritual staff.  Without you all, Dad’s last months on earth would have been so much harder.  You all are angels among us.

Online Condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com.

The Gesche Funeral Home is assisting James’s family with funeral arrangements.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.