Jim was such a nice person. I can only imagine the excellent care he gave to his patients. Sad days for his family and friends, but great memories to hold close.
I am sad to hear of Mitch's passing. He and I were really good friends after we graduated ifrom high school and on into the college years. I remember he had humorously earned the nickname "stud" because he had fouled out of a basketball game in an incredibly short period of time. In high school he was stricken with Meningitis and Encephalitis which nearly killed him. He was long in recovery, but gained a life long interest in medicine. We spent many hours late at night in the Country Kitchen drinking coffee and discussing the world and our futures. Eventually we moved on to other pursuits, but would see each other occasionally as circumstances permitted. He was mostly in Indianapolis and I was on the west coast. In the late 70's I briefly moved back to La Crosse with my wife. During that time Jim was becoming interested in computers. I remember I was skeptical of the idea, thinking he was wasting his time. Jim was the prescient person for sure. Unfortunately I moved back to the west coast, and consequentially lost track of him. I remember Jim as an amazing outgoing, kind, and friendly person, and a true seeker. He was forever challenging himself. May he rest in peace. Best to Jeanne and the family.
I really appreciated knowing Jim back in the day. I had memories of visiting him a few times in the hospital, but couldn't remember why he was there. Thank you for filling in the blanks about the Meningitis and Encephalitis, Chuck.
I know he came back for at least one reunion - the one we had at what was then called the La Crosse Country Club - because I remember dancing with him. Such a great guy! Rest in peace, Jim.
I went to grade school at Thomas Moore with Jim starting in first grade, And continued with him at Aquinas and UW-La Crosse. We were fraternity brothers in Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity, but Jim stayed a couple extra years because he worked a lot In the ER At Lutheran Hospital and completed at least four majors including chemistry biology and English. Jim was the godfather of my oldest daughter, Erin, and we remained in touch through the years with Christmas cards and an occasional phone call. I was fortunate to be able to visit with Jim at the nursing home last fall and this spring on my trips back to La Crosse. He loved nursing and did so in Indianapolis, the Bay Area and Santa Rosa California. In one of those visits he expressed regrets that he had not come back for reunions,nor stayed in ouch with many in the our class, but was thankful for all of you who came to visit him In the nursing home.
Jim and I were more acquaintances than friends in high school. We were on the basketball team together. Every once and a while I would wonder what it was like to go to high school where your father was a revered teacher and coach. Of course, this goes for Jeanne too. In recent years when reunions were on the horizon, he was one person I wanted to see again. I was curious how his life turned out. I thank those of you who filled in some of the missing pieces. He was a good man, and based on his picture, quite handsome too. My condolences to his family and friends.
Sue Hanson (Goelz)
Jim was such a nice person. I can only imagine the excellent care he gave to his patients. Sad days for his family and friends, but great memories to hold close.
Sue Hanson Goelz
Charles Weldy (Weldy)
I am sad to hear of Mitch's passing. He and I were really good friends after we graduated ifrom high school and on into the college years. I remember he had humorously earned the nickname "stud" because he had fouled out of a basketball game in an incredibly short period of time. In high school he was stricken with Meningitis and Encephalitis which nearly killed him. He was long in recovery, but gained a life long interest in medicine. We spent many hours late at night in the Country Kitchen drinking coffee and discussing the world and our futures. Eventually we moved on to other pursuits, but would see each other occasionally as circumstances permitted. He was mostly in Indianapolis and I was on the west coast. In the late 70's I briefly moved back to La Crosse with my wife. During that time Jim was becoming interested in computers. I remember I was skeptical of the idea, thinking he was wasting his time. Jim was the prescient person for sure. Unfortunately I moved back to the west coast, and consequentially lost track of him. I remember Jim as an amazing outgoing, kind, and friendly person, and a true seeker. He was forever challenging himself. May he rest in peace. Best to Jeanne and the family.
Mary Jo Lundsten (Lorden)
I really appreciated knowing Jim back in the day. I had memories of visiting him a few times in the hospital, but couldn't remember why he was there. Thank you for filling in the blanks about the Meningitis and Encephalitis, Chuck.
I know he came back for at least one reunion - the one we had at what was then called the La Crosse Country Club - because I remember dancing with him. Such a great guy! Rest in peace, Jim.
Donald Sexauer
I went to grade school at Thomas Moore with Jim starting in first grade, And continued with him at Aquinas and UW-La Crosse. We were fraternity brothers in Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity, but Jim stayed a couple extra years because he worked a lot In the ER At Lutheran Hospital and completed at least four majors including chemistry biology and English. Jim was the godfather of my oldest daughter, Erin, and we remained in touch through the years with Christmas cards and an occasional phone call. I was fortunate to be able to visit with Jim at the nursing home last fall and this spring on my trips back to La Crosse. He loved nursing and did so in Indianapolis, the Bay Area and Santa Rosa California. In one of those visits he expressed regrets that he had not come back for reunions,nor stayed in ouch with many in the our class, but was thankful for all of you who came to visit him In the nursing home.
John Topinka
Jim and I were more acquaintances than friends in high school. We were on the basketball team together. Every once and a while I would wonder what it was like to go to high school where your father was a revered teacher and coach. Of course, this goes for Jeanne too. In recent years when reunions were on the horizon, he was one person I wanted to see again. I was curious how his life turned out. I thank those of you who filled in some of the missing pieces. He was a good man, and based on his picture, quite handsome too. My condolences to his family and friends.