James E. Biechler, 96, formerly of Madison, passed away at Wells Nature View Assisted Living on Adams in Marshfield on January 13, 2026.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Monday, January 19, 2026 at 11:00am at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church in Marshfield with Father Douglas Robertson officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00am until the time of service at 11:00am. The service will be streamed online at www.facebook.com/rembsfuneralhomes. Military rites will follow the Mass at the church. Burial will take place at Roselawn Memorial Park in Madison on Thursday January 22nd at 11:00am

James Eugene Biechler was born on September 18, 1929 to Carl and Eugenia (Kurkowski) Biechler in Marshfield, WI. He received his early education at St. John the Baptist Catholic School through 10th grade, then graduating from Loyola Catholic High School in Mankato, Minnesota. He attended Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI, graduating in 1951. He then served in the US Navy from 1951-1954 during the Korean War aboard the USS New Jersey Battleship being the officer in charge of shipboard communications and the security officer. After his service in the Navy he attended St. Paul Seminary in St. Paul, MN with an MA degree in theology and church history and was ordained a priest in 1958 serving in the diocese of La Crosse. In 1966 he left active ministry to pursue a PhD at Temple University in Philadelphia, PA and from 1970 until his retirement he taught various courses in religion at LaSalle University in Philadelphia. He married RoseMarie Ward on June 21, 1968, she was also a teacher in the Pennsylvania Public Schools.

After retirement they returned to Cambridge, Wisconsin, living on Lake Ripley for many years. They then moved into Madison to be closer to medical facilities and amenities they enjoyed such as the arts. They remained active with volunteer services and in their church. RoseMarie passed away on December 5, 2014. In May of 2020 Jim moved into Wells Nature View assisted living where his brother Bob resided. They were able to share 9 months together before Bob passed away in March of 2021.

Jim is survived by two brothers: William of Surprise, AZ, Paul of Warrenville, IL; and a sister: Marie (Stan) Charron of Marshfield, WI; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, RoseMarie, his parents Carl & Jean, two brothers: Robert and Carl, and sisters-in-law Betty, Lois, Sarah, and Ann.

The family would like to thank Wells Nature View for the care and compassion they gave Jim over the years, St. Croix Hospice Services that were provided the past few months, Marshfield Medical Center, and St. John's Eucharistic Ministers for their monthly Holy Communion visits.