Obituary for James “Jim” Reigel

James “Jim” Reigel, 71, Marshfield, died peacefully surrounded by family on Wednesday, April 28^th, 2021 at Marshfield Medical Center.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 am on Monday, May 3, 2021, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Marshfield, with Rev. James Weighner officiating.  The service will be live-streamed at www.facebook.com/rembsfuneralhomes. Burial will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Marshfield, where military rites will be conducted by the American Legion Post 54.

Visitations will be from 2-6 pm Sunday at Rembs Funeral Home in Marshfield and again from 9:30 am until service at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Marshfield.

Jim, the youngest of twelve children, was born on February 11, 1950, to William and Marcella (Schmitt) Reigel. He attended and graduated from St. Mary’s grade school in Bakerville. After graduating from Columbus High School in Marshfield in 1968, he attained an associate degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Mid-State Technical school of Wisconsin Rapids in 1970.

He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Diane Hallowell on October 10, 1970, at Our Lady of Peace in Marshfield and celebrated their 50^th wedding anniversary this past October.

Jim joined Paget Equipment Co. in 1977, and along with brothers Lyle and Bill purchased the business in 1985. In 2002 Jim and Diane became the sole owners. Over 35 years of ownership, Jim transformed the business from producing primarily milk tanks into an international company recognized for excellence in 5 major industries.

After 20 years in the Army National Guard, Jim retired as a Captain in 1990 with several accolades. Following his military retirement, he was an active member of the American Legion, including Commander of Post 54 Marshfield and State Commander Department of Wisconsin.

Service to community was a core priority for Jim. He provided leadership and was actively involved in many organizations over his lifetime. Jim gave generously of his time, talent, and resources to his community.

Some of Jim’s passions during life’s journey were singing in the church choir, spending time with family, telling dad jokes, and helping those in need, including Veterans.

Jim is survived by his devoted wife Diane, three daughters Amy (Brian) Kettner, Sherry (Steve) Melde, and Becky (Brad) Schulz; ten grandchildren Paige, Ethan, Sophi, Sadie, Sam, Sydney, Tyler, Curtis, Catelyn, and Courtney. He is further survived by his brothers LaVern, Cliff, William (Pat), and Richard (Tessa) and sisters Clara Hartl, Carol (Ed) Becker, and Shirley (Clifford) Hirsch; sisters-in-laws Kathleen, Irene, and Kristine Reigel and brothers-in-laws Clifford (Maryann) Hallowell, Gary (Shirley) Hallowell and Dennis Naedler and Jim Rowe.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by infant daughter Mary, brothers Eugene, Robert, Lyle, and Gerald, sisters-in-law Irma, Doris, and Johnette Reigel, Sue Rowe, and Joanne Naedler.

Memorials may be designated in Jim’s name to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Marshfield, WI, or American Legion Post 54 in Marshfield, WI.

Condolences may be sent online to www.rembsfh.com.