Obituary
James A. Sackmann
James (Jim) Sackmann 78, unexpectedly passed in Groveland, Florida on March 20, 2025, while wintering at their second home in the Woodlands at Church Lake senior living community.
Jim was born on the family farm in Medford, Wisconsin on April 21, 1946, to Lucille (Berger) Sackmann and Valentine Sackmann. He was the first of 5 children of dairy farmers and spent his youth helping in the fields, milking cows and tinkering with farm equipment. Unfortunately, a hay allergy and asthma prevented him from continuing a life as a farmer. After graduating from Medford High School in 1964, Jim enrolled in Wausau Technical School training as a machinist. Once he received his degree he worked briefly in Milwaukee. 1967 proved to be a pivotal year, when he married the love of his life, Dianne (Brecke), moved to La Crosse, Wisconsin, started working at Machine Products, and welcomed the birth of their first child.
Soon thereafter they purchased their forever home in Onalaska and added two more children to their family. In 1976 Jim began working as a welder for Xcel Energy, formerly Northern States Power, at the French Island Power Plant. He moved up the ranks, retiring 31 years later as the plant’s maintenance supervisor.
Jim had many interests throughout his life. He enjoyed working with cars, building several dune-buggies in his early adult years and racing them over the Onalaska sand dunes. Volkswagen busses and bugs were a passion of his, with one or two (maybe more) always being worked on at the house. Jim and Dianne created many life-long friendships with their involvement in River City Four Wheelers and Midwest Off Road. The family enjoyed camping, attending off road events, fishing, and hunting throughout the years.
Jim was always thinking of how to improve things, which meant there was a continuous cycle of home renovations that never seem to end. In order to keep himself busy, he started a small machine shop business, River Precision Machine, in his garage. In 2010, Jim and Dianne purchased a home in Florida to get away from the cold Wisconsin winters and enjoyed warm sunny days for several years, making new friends and starting new renovation projects. Summers during retirement were filled with entertaining their grandchildren and lazy days on the river fishing.
Jim had strong opinions. There were only two ways of doing things, the wrong way and Jim’s way! He was a perfectionist and stubborn, but he had a big heart and would lend a helping hand to anyone that asked. His euphemisms were world renowned, but not repeatable around children. He often told jokes and stories, usually naughty ones, with a big smile, twinkle in his eyes and hearty laugh. His four-legged children meant everything to him, taking them everywhere and always ready with a treat for his good puppies. Jim is now surrounded by his beloved dogs; Wiggles, Brandy, J.D., Yukon, Duke, Duchess, Caesar, Lola and Mindy, feeding
them endless treats.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 58 years, Dianne, his children; Dawn (Jon) Fogleson, Paul Sackmann and Bruce Sackmann; his grandchildren Lindsay, Genevieve and Veronica Fogleson, and Jeremy (Jenna) Byars and great grandchild, Freya Byars; his siblings; Jean (Arnie) Dassow, Mark Sackmann, Tom (Lorna) Sackmann, and Juleen (Brent) Hallgren. He was preceded in death by his parents Lucille and Valentine Sackmann.
A visitation will be held from 4-7pm Thursday, June 5, 2025, at The Gathering Place, 133 Mason St. in Onalaska. The family will receive friends from 10-11am Friday, June 6, 2025, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Onalaska, with a memorial mass at 11am and luncheon to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations to St Patrick’s Church are preferred.
Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family. Condolences may be made to the family by visiting CouleeCremation.com.
Sincerest condolences to the Sackman family. Very fortunate to have shared many favorable moments with Jim and Sackman family. Always a pleasant surprise running into Jim and Dianne at some favorite watering holes around the Coulee Region. Thanks for your wonderful friendship through many years Jim..