Jim Tikal (Tek), age 68 of La Crosse, Wisconsin, passed away July 15, 2026 after a courageous 20 year long battle with a benign pineal tumor.

James Earl Tikal was born on August 29, 1957. The fourth child to Earl F and LaVina C Tikal. He was raised in La Crescent, Minnesota and graduated from the La Crescent High School in 1975.

On June 25, 1994 he married the love of his life Kari Jorgensen. They spent most of their lives living in  the beautiful countryside of Hokah, Minnesota. Their 32 year marriage was filled with love and devotion, which was especially apparent as they each struggled with their own health concerns.

To know Tek was to love him. He was a gentle giant with an open heart that extended to everyone around him. His kindness, loyalty, and steady presence made people feel grounded and cared for. Family and friends were the center of his world, and he showed up for them with sincerity and strength.

He had an unwavering passion for motorcycles and proudly spent over 42 years as a member of the Sundowners Motorcycle Club. The brotherhood he found there was a defining part of his life that he carried with pride and respect.  Throughout his lifetime he rode over 300,000 + miles with many runs to both the East and West Coasts forming deep and lasting friendships along the way.

Tek worked with Jim Colbert (brick mason), on the Mississippi barges and for Wagner De-Watering. Tek was last employed by Charlie Kasten at Interstate Roofing where he worked for many years. He was known for his reliability, hard work and the pride he took in a job well done.

He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

He is preceded in death by his parents Earl F and LaVina C. Tikal.

He is survived by his wife Kari Tikal, her parents, Nancy and Jerry Jorgensen, her siblings, Debbie (Jaime) Peterson and Donnie Jorgensen. He is also survived by his sisters Sue Larson, Linda Gasper, Joan Furst, Kari Blum and many nieces and nephews. All of whom, held a special place in his heart.

The family would like to thank the Coulee Cremation Group for their assistance.

There will be a celebration of life service on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at 2:00 pm at the Gathering Place, 133 Mason St., Onalaska, WI, with a reception following the service.  Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family.