James Lemont Fritchen passed away peacefully on Friday, May 12th at the Larson House in Columbus,

WI. James was born to Frederic and Lula (Nee Ulrich) Fritchen on February 22, 1934, in Racine, WI. He

always liked being born on George Washington's birthday and cherry pie was always his favorite. James

was a little brother to Nancy Lou and later a big brother to Delbert Loren. His fond memories from

childhood were spending time at the Fritchen farm. Baseball (always baseball) and "Baldy" the delivery

horse from the Progressive Dairy where his father and he worked.

James attended several schools in Racine and then his senior year at New Holstein, where he met Doris

Kuehl. Jim always had his eye on a career in baseball but blew his shot with the White Sox. Jim received

an invitation to try out for the team, but he dislocated his pitching shoulder playing donkey baseball. He

was quoted as saying all he ever wanted to hear was "Now pitchin, Jim Fritchen"!

Jim graduated from New Holstein High in 1952. He attended Mission House college and became a

teacher and much-loved coach. He taught and coached at Rosendale and then for thirty-two years at

Columbus High School. He taught English and coached many sports but best remembered for all his

years coaching basketball. Jim was a successful teacher, recognized as teacher of the year and served

as Vice Principal. He so appreciated all the young people who made up his sports teams, and his

helpers. He will carry you with him as he goes down the road.

Jim and Doris married in 1957. In 1959, they had Peggy and then moved to Columbus where Jim worked

until his retirement in 1991. While in Columbus, they welcomed Stuart (1962), Steven (1964) and

Andrew (1971). At his retirement, he became a fixture at the Columbus Country Club. Jim also worked

at the Columbus Antique Mall and enjoyed touring the countryside for gifts and items to stock Doris'

Page One antique booth.

Jim is survived by Doris, his wife of 66 years in July. He is also survived by his brother Delbert (Phyllis)

Fritchen and brother-in-law, Jack Uhlenhopp. His children, Peggy (Fred) Goetsch, Stuart (Lucinda)

Fritchen, Steven Fritchen and Andrew (Callie) Fritchen. Grandchildren, Mandi (Justin) Swaagman, Clara

and Laurel Goetsch, Noah and Nicky Fritchen and Hunter Fritchen. Great Grandchildren, Mackenzie,

Oliver Swaagman, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, and brother-in-law, his wife's sister MaryAnn

Uhlenhopp, and his son Steven's wife Phyllis just last December.

A private family service will be held at a future date.

A big thank you to the staff at Larson House and the Generations Hospice care team.

We encourage you to share your online condolences with James's family at jensenfuneralandcremation.com