James “Jim” A. Vogenthaler

James Anthony Vogenthaler, age 85, of Mayville, Wisconsin passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at his home, surrounded by the love of his family.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Jim will be held on Friday, September 25, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Mayville with Rev. Fr. Zachary Galante presiding. Visitation will take place at the church on Friday, September 25, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 12:00 p.m. Interment will follow the service at St. Mary Cemetery in Mayville.

Jim was born in Chicago on November 6, 1940, the son of Joseph and Florence (Funk) Vogenthaler. After graduating from St. George High School in Evanston, Illinois, he was united in marriage to his beloved wife, Judy, on April 30, 1960, at St. Benedict’s Catholic Church in Chicago. Together, Jim and Judy built a beautiful life rooted in family, faith, and mutual devotion.

Jim was a man of extraordinary work ethic and dedication. At just 19 years old, he began a career at The Chicago Tribune that would span four decades. Through decades of hard work—regularly balancing two or three side jobs to ensure his family was well provided for—Jim rose to senior level management, running the Quality Control Division for all newspaper production. He proudly retired on his 40th anniversary at the age of 59, leaving behind a remarkable professional legacy.

Above all, Jim was a man of devout Catholic faith and conviction. He dedicated his life to the Church, to daily prayer, and to the Blessed Virgin Mary. He was an active, proud member of the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites (OCDS) community at Holy Hill, Wisconsin. Jim’s faith was his anchor; he never worried about tomorrow, famously comforting his family with his trademark phrase: “Just have faith, the Lord will provide.”

Jim’s heart belonged to his family. He spent his life selflessly providing for his loved ones, raising seven children, and tenderly caring for his mother and sister. He taught his children the value of absolute devotion to work, family, and faith—while always reminding them not to take life too seriously, frequently bringing joy to the household with his quick wit and a well-timed practical joke.

Jim was the beloved husband of Judy and the devoted, most caring father of James Robert (Pam), Donna Fanning, Thomas (Mary), Joseph, Michael (Kristen), Robert (Jenny), and John. The vast love Jim and Judy shared blossomed into a beautiful legacy of 21 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, with two more precious great-grandchildren on the way. He is further survived by his sisters, Jean Baro and Kathy Sincere, as well as many other loving relatives and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife Judy, his parents, his brother, Bill (Joseph) and his sister Barbara.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Jim’s memory may be directed to the Norbertine Canonesses of the Bethlehem Priory of St. Joseph or Society of the Divine Word