James S. Amundson

James S. Amundson, 54, of Sparta, passed away Saturday, September 6, 2025 at Mayo Clinic Health Systems, La Crosse. He was born on November 8, 1970, to Roger and Sharon (Stendalen) Amundson, in Sparta. He grew up in Sparta, and graduated from Sparta High School in 1989.

After high school, James joined the U.S. Army, serving in Panama and Desert Storm. He married Becky Zahrte on June 9, 1990 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Sparta.

James worked at La Crosse Footwear, Trausch Distributing, Pepsi, Neubauer Trucking, and Dutch Mill Trucking. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing cards, and gambling. He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandkids.

James is survived by his wife, Becky Amundson; children, Allyssa (Jess Crocker) Amundson of Tomah, Jesse Amundson of Tomah, and Daniel Amundson of Madison; grandchildren, Cash, Maci, and Jameson Crocker; mother, Sharon Amundson of Sparta; siblings, Patricia Sesemann of Sparta, Jeff (Sue) Amundson of Sparta, and Jill (Roy) Washington of Kingman, AZ; step-mother, Jean Amundson; step-sister, Wendy Cote; and mother-in-law, Ruth Zahrte of Sparta; as well as many other nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Roger Amundson; and father-in-law, Darwin Zahrte.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, with Reverend Josh Buzbee officiating. Burial, with full military honors provided by VFW Post 2112 and American Legion Post 100 both of Sparta, will follow the service, in Woodlawn Cemetery, Sparta. Following the burial, a luncheon will be held at Dub’s Pub, Sparta.

A Visitation will be held from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Friday, September 12, 2025 at Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, and from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. on Saturday, at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com

Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements.

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