James Pretasky

James T. Pretasky, 97, Tripoli, WI, died peacefully surrounded by family on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2017.

    Jim was born on October 13, 1919 in Lacrosse WI. He was the son of Thomas and Salome Pretasky. Jim joined the Army and was a member of the 209th (anti-aircraft artillery) automatic weapons battalion.  He fought on WWII’s Pacific front between 1942-1945. He then returned home to marry the love of his life, Theresa Theisen on April 27, 1946 at St. James Catholic Church, Lacrosse, WI. She passed away in 2010.  Jim worked for the Milwaukee Railroad. 

Jim was an avid hunter and fisherman since childhood. He was always bringing his mom something different to cook from the river or the woods. He enjoyed woodworking and camping with his family. Jim was also a very gifted story teller. During his retirement years, you would see him with three or four grandchildren on his lap captivated by his adventurous stories. He had many guests welcomed into his home that he would give countless tips of advice to as he sat in his recliner smoking his pipe. Jim was a good man that will be missed dearly by his family and friends.

    James is survived by his children - Teresa Pretasky, Holmen, Daniel (Teresa) Pretasky, Tomahawk, Timothy (Becky) Pretasky, Floodwood MN, William (Diane) Pretasky, Lacrosse, Cynthia (Dan) Heffner, Arcadia, Steven (Angie) Pretasky, Cottage Grove MN, Nancy Miller, Lake Tomahawk, Sandra Tripp, Lacrosse,  Theodore (Anne) Pretasky, Colfax; sister Marion Pahs, Hatfield, WI; He is also survived by 29 grandchildren and 47 great-grandchildren.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife Theresa, sons - James and Joseph Pretasky and a grandson John Pretasky.  He was also preceded in death by his siblings Charlotte Schubert, LaVerne Elliott, Sally Lennox, Thomas Pretasky, Lillian Ball, and Edward Pretasky.

       A Mass of Christian Burial with Military rites will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Tomahawk, WI at 11am, Saturday, September 30. Fr. Kevin Farrell will officiate. Burial will follow at the Somo Cemetery in Tripoli.  The family will  receive friends and family at the church Saturday morning from 9:00 a.m. until the time of mass at 11:00 a.m. 

Krueger Family Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. You may view the full obituary and leave online condolences at www.kruegerfamilyfuneral.com. Special thanks to Hospice home care.