Obituary
Jim “Tek” Tikal
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.
jim and I worked on Glens farm together and separately during our junior high years. We hunted together and spent time vacationing with the rest of the Tikal family.
From being childhood friends a block away, all the way through high school, Jim was the sweetest, kindest, gentlest friend one could want. His obituary was beautifully written and I think we all agree he was a wonderful human being. Rest in Peace Jim, all who knew you will miss you.
What a beautiful tribute for a great guy. I haven’t seen Jim in years but this brings him back…always kind with a great smile…condolences to all especially his wife.
So sorry my big bro Tek has left us. He was loved by everyone & always a kind heart. He helped me navigate teenage life with a strict father more then once. 😆 He will always be the older bro I needed & appreciated. Sympathy & love to his family.
So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. We went to the same school, graduating a year apart. I always considered him a good friend even though our paths did not often cross; as work, life, and family took us down our separate paths. When we did bump into each other it was always good to share some conversation and a few laughs. He will be missed by many.
Hearing of Jim’s passing brought back many fond memories. We first met in 7th grade when I’d come down from North Ridge to hang out with the guys in his neighborhood. Even at that young age, his kindness and generosity were evident. My thoughts are with the Tikal family.
it’s been 25 years since Tek’s surgery for his tumor…he’s finally at peace and free to ride away…Thank God
Jim will be missed by all. I was a warm and generous man. I remember growing up in the neighborhood together. He was like another brother to me.
I never knew that Jim was your name. ‘Tek’ you were an amazingly kind and respectful man, always smiling and full of laughter. Arlie and I enjoyed sitting with you and Kari many times over the years telling stories about ourselves and others. I can hear your laugh as I’m writing this. Arlie will be overjoyed to shake your hand again. Don’t RIP — give ’em hell and ride those Harleys through the clouds.
We’re so very sorry to have missed his COL. Just heard about his passing. We will always remember Tek as a kind and generous man with a big warm smile. Our hearts go out to Kari and all his family. He is riding with the angels now.
Jim was an incredible bright spot on this Earth!
He had such a contagious smile and warmth about him. l have a memory of ice skating with him on the old rink on 7th Street in LaCrescent when I was in 7th grade. It was Jim who helped me up after I biffed it on the ice. It may seem insignificant, but to this day I remember that kindness. My deepest sympathy to all. Rest in Heavenly peace Jim. A special hug to you Linda.
My prayers are with you all.
Like so many have expressed, Jim was a terrific person. I would add that he never met a stranger either. He was wired in a good way including tremendous amounts of kindness, welcoming to everyone and generous with his time. It was clear at our 46 reunion that he was struggling, but yet he stayed positive, engaging and grateful. Sad to see him pass but thankful his pain and his suffering are gone. Rest in peace my friend. You were one of the really good ones and it was a pleasure to know you and call you a friend.