James E. Rach

James Earl Rach, 90, of Chaseburg passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Saturday, November, 29, 2014 at home. He was born April 21, 1924, to Frank and Emma (Martin) Rach in Chaseburg, WI. He was baptized, confirmed, and a life-long member of St. Peter's Chaseburg. Jim married Illa Jean Smith on October 29, 1949. Illa and infant son passed away January 2, 1951. He married Margaret Peterson March 21, 1953. They were blessed with 7 children and 61 years of marriage.

Jim worked for several farmers before owning his own farm and working at Trane Co. for 38 years. He played ball for a couple of different teams. He loved farming, cutting wood for burning, and ice fishing. He spent many hours playing with his children whom he loved very much.

Jim is survived by his wife Margaret, four daughters and three sons, Sharon (Richard) Klar, Chaseburg; Debra (Kerry) Smith, Portage; Dennis (Ramona) Rach Chaseburg; Cindy (Christopher) King Stoddard; Keith

(Rhonda) Rach Chaseburg; Joan Rach and Roger (Tracie) Rach of Willow, Alaska. Survivors also include 1 sister Florence Larson, LaCrosse; 1 brother Frank (Doris) Rach Chaseburg; sisters and brothers-in-laws Ordetta Rach, Lacrosse; Betty / Curt Wam and Michael Peterson of Beloit, Wi, Betty Smith, Lacrosse; and Verlin (Jan) Ihle of Coon Valley; 21 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; parents-in-laws Theodore Smith and John and Mina Peterson; his first wife and son; sister Mildred Martin, brothers Raymond Rach, Donald Rach; sisters and brothers-in-laws Arlene/James Volden, Orvin Peterson, Robert Peterson, Arnold/Olga Peterson, Donald Smith, Gert/Eugene Swanson, Dana/George Chambers, and nephew Norman Martin.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday December 3, 2014 at St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Chaseburg. Rev. Steven Oldre will officiate with burial in the church cemetery. Friends may call on Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Seland Funeral Home in Coon Valley and at the church on Wednesday from 10 a.m. until service time. Online condolences may be offered at selandsfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St. Peters Lutheran Church, Chaseburg or Vernon Memorial Hospice Program.