Obituaries

James G. "Jim" Richgels

July 25, 1956 - January 08, 2023

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Obituary For James G. "Jim" Richgels

Madison- James G. “Jim” Richgels, age 66, of Madison passed away on Sunday, January 8, 2023 at UW Hospital after a brief battle with lung cancer. He was born on July 25, 1956 in Highland, WI the son of Melvin and Leora (Drager) Richgels. Jim grew up in Cross Plains and graduated from Middleton High School in 1974. Jim was united in marriage to Janine Lennie on August 13, 1977 in Eau Claire, WI. He worked for MG&E for 12 years before moving to the US Postal Service, where he retired as a transportation supervisor. His “fun” job was working at the Madison Mallards as a beer pourer since the Mallards began.

Jim was passionate about baseball and played baseball as a child. He and Janine were season ticket holders for Badger Football and he also enjoyed going to football games at UW-Whitewater. Jim coached softball for his daughter, Vanessa and granddaughter, Accadia. He also loved golfing, fishing and spending time at Devil’s Lake (his happy place.)

He survived by his wife, Janine; his daughter, Vanessa (Joseph) DiLorenzo; granddaughter, Accadia DiLorenzo; step-granddaughter, Phoebe Nettesheim; sisters, Leone and Jane Richgels, Elizabeth “Betty” Duesterhoeft, Donna Fox, and Katherine “Kate” Fitzsimmons; brother, Ken One Peace; brother-in-law, Jeff (Tess) Lennie; sisters-in-law, Sharon (Bernie) Reidinger, Linda (Steve) Zimmerman, Peg (Dan Garnett) Richgels and B’Dette (Ron Eben) Knudson; and many other nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, John, Robert and David; and sister, Mary Sue Saenz.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, January 13, 2023 at St. Peter Catholic Church, 5001 N. Sherman Avenue. Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, January 12, 2023 at Ryan Funeral Home, 2418 N. Sherman Avenue, where a Rosary will be said at 7 p.m. Visitation will also be held from 10 a.m. until the time of Mass on Friday at the church. Interment will be at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the nurses at the UW Hospital Burn Center.

Memorials may be made to St. Peter Catholic Church or to the American Cancer Society.

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Services

12 Jan

Visitation

05:00 PM - 07:00 PM

Ryan Funeral Homes - Madison North East 2418 N. Sherman Avenue Madison, WI 53704 Get Directions »
13 Jan

Visitation

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

St. Peter Catholic Church 5001 North Sherman Avenue Madison, WI 53704 Get Directions »
13 Jan

Mass of Christian Burial

11:00 AM

St. Peter Catholic Church 5001 North Sherman Avenue Madison, WI 53704 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

  • February 20, 2023

    I've rarely been more shocked to hear of someone's passing. In my too-brief experience with Jim, he was the absolute picture of vigorous mature manhood, living the retirement we all dream of. He must be greatly & tragically missed by Janine and all his loved ones.

  • January 13, 2023

    Best beer man, best family man, best grandpa, best husband, best of everything....I miss you. Just found out, from the newspaper. I met you at the Mallards game, I worked as an EMT and after first meeting you, you gave me a free beer after shift ended. That was our beginning. I worked only one season as an EMT, but came back a few times a year as a baseball fan & Bobblehead giveaway collector. You also knew me as a Madison Firefighter. You were always the utmost kindest person. From that one season working together, our friendship continued for many many years. And the free beer tokens kept coming, though I came for your smile & good connection. Met your grand daughter. Wife. What a quality life, Jim! Really respected you. Now heaven gets earth's greatest gem. Rest in peace.

  • January 11, 2023

    Kenn and I work with Jim at Post Office. He was always kind and generous. He was a down right good man. My condolences

  • January 11, 2023

    Dear Janine and family, we send our sincerest thoughts and prayers on your loss. God Bless and you are in our prayers. Mary & Jack Dillon

  • January 11, 2023

    I knew Jim from my many years of going to Mallards games. He was always cheerful , I will miss seeing him at the games.

  • January 11, 2023

    Janine & Family...Thinking of you at this time. MY SYMPATHY--Knowing you through St Peter's Parish activities some years ago.

  • January 11, 2023

    Jim was one of a kind. Always with a smile and so patient with all the people he met. He was a wonderful friend. One of a kind, he will be greatly missed

  • January 10, 2023

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  • Cherished Friend Bouquet

    Cherished Friend Bouquet was sent for James G. "Jim" Richgels - January 11, 2023

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Tiffany Foster went out of her way to fulfill all my requests, talked me through problems I was facing, and tried to make me feel as comfortable as possible when I was a wreck, totally crushed, and I thank her with all of my heart for that.

James S. | July 2020

The professional manner of the staff made a difficult time a little easier.

Lynda R. | July 2020

Services provided for both parents were perfect, on time, and no issues. Brenda is awesome and strong!

Michael M. | July 2020

Skyler was absolutely amazing. She was so caring and helpful through this whole process. She even went above and beyond to meet with us in DeForest and even to make a stop at our home to drop off or pick up anything needed. While it was a small gesture, it was so helpful and greatly appreciated.

Brooke S. | Dec. 2020

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