James Risch

James A. Risch of Belgium was called home on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2019, at the age of 77.  

He was born on Aug. 26, 1942, to Joseph and Margaret (nee Oberst) Risch in Port Washington.

James was united in marriage to his first wife Jeanne Jetzer on May 15, 1965, at St. Peter Claver in Sheboygan. He later married Nancy Wenglinski on Sept. 26, 1992, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Lake Church.

James grew up on a farm in the Town of Belgium. He graduated from Port Washington High School in 1960.   

James acquired his father’s farm and later transitioned into truck driving, from which he retired in 2014.  

He collected Massey Harris tractors of all sizes. James belonged to Wisconsin Antique Power Reunion and Massey Harris Collectors of Wisconsin.  

He was a long-time member of Divine Savior Catholic Parish.

Above all, James loved spending time with his children and grandchildren.

James is survived by his children Debra (Tim) Gierach, Nancy (Randy) Koopman, Kathleen (Bill) Leissring, Michael (Michelle DeSwarte) Risch, David (Susan) Risch, Julie (Terland Caldwell) Risch and Thomas (Sarah) Risch; and grandchildren Hunter, Jessica, Joshua, Anthony, Nicholas, Justin, Aleesha, Madeline, Cameron, Matthew, Isaiah, Jeremiah and Jonathan.  He is further survived by other relatives and friends.  

He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife Jeanne, infant son Anthony, second wife Nancy and siblings Vernon Risch and Diane (Henry) Thill.

A Mass of Christian burial was held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2019, at Divine Savior Catholic Parish, Holy Cross Chapel, 5331 Hwy. B, Belgium, with Father Gideon Buya presiding.  

Visitation was at the church from 4 p.m. until the service.  

James was laid to rest at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Lake Church.

The Risch family would like to extend a special thank you to Sharon S. Richardson Hospice in Sheboygan Falls and the staff at Columbia St. Mary’s Mequon.

Eernisse Funeral Home of Belgium was honored to assist the family.  

Online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com.