James Louis Bishton, 88, of Onalaska and formerly Lake Geneva, passed away Tuesday, October 29, 2013 at Gundersen Health System in La Crosse. He was born on August 17, 1925 to Frederick and Helena Bishton in Utica, New York. He joined the US Navy when he graduated from high school after Pearl Harbor. While stationed at Great Lakes NTS, he met the love of his life, Bernice Szablewski, who he married on November 9, 1946, nearly 67 years ago.

He worked for over 40 years at Albert Trostles & Sons in Lake Geneva. After retirement, he enjoyed fishing, the Green Bay Packers, and watching his grandchildren grow.

He is survived by his wife; daughter, Marianne (Dennis) Stanke; daughter-in-law, Mona Bishton; grandchildren, Sam (Mary), Ted, Amanda (Jaime), Dan, Mike, Jenny (Tom); 5 great-grandchildren and other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his son, Tim; and all of his siblings, 7 brothers and 1 sister.

A funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, November 5, 2013 at 11:00 AM at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 1301 Main St., Onalaska. Msgr. Steven Kachel will officiate. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the Mass at the church on Tuesday. Luncheon at the Church will follow the ceremony. Private interment at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Freedom Honor Flight at www.freedomhonorflight.org. Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family.