James "Jim" K. Gausmann

James Kenneth Gausmann, 70, of Sparta, died Wednesday, November 15, 2023 at Mayo Health System, La Crosse, after a long illness.

Jim was born in Lancaster, WI on September 20, 1953 to Kenneth and Joyce (Witte) Gausmann.  He leaves behind his spouse, Kathleen (Perkins) Gausmann, two sons, Aaron and Justin Gausmann, and three grandsons, Caleb McClellan, Robert Gausmann and Wesley Gausmann.  He was preceded in death by his grandparents and his parents.

After high school, Jim joined the US Army.  He served nine years of active duty, then joined the Army Reserve and retired from that component with a total of twenty-two years military service.

Shortly after his active duty, Jim became the County Veterans’ Service Officer for La Crosse County, WI.  In that capacity, he spent twenty years assisting military veterans and their families access benefits from both the WI and Federal VA systems.

Jim’s favorite hobbies were woodworking and fishing, especially with his sons.  Oh, the stories I could tell!

Jim’s ashes will be scattered in the Chippewa River by Aaron, and in the Mississippi River by Justin.  Those were Jim’s favorite fishing areas, and he could read them like a book!

There are no plans for a memorial service at this time.  That will be done in the spring, and information will be given later as to the date, time and place.

Good night, my darling husband.  We will remember and love you forever.  I hope you remembered to pick up your dogs at the Rainbow Bridge!

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

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