James Dennis Deetz

James Deetz, age 80, of the Town of Albion, Trempealeau County, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 31, 2026. He was born on October 12, 1945, in Eau Claire, WI, the son of Lyle Deetz and Arvilla (Deetz) Quale.

As a young man, he excelled at football and track, setting the school record in the 220-yard dash. But as an avid storyteller, he would always say the fastest he ever ran was the day he outran the bull!

As an adult, Jim worked on the family farm with his brothers. He married his wife of 46 years, Jane Peterson, at the historic “Little Brown Church in the Vale,” in Nashua, Iowa, on September 15, 1979. Jim and Jane co-founded MI-Assistant Software with the encouragement of their brother and sister-in-law Glenn and Judy. Jim was always the steady, fatherly heart of the company, leading it from their basement to a “second family” of more than 75 employees.

Jim was very strong in his faith. Called to ministry in his 50s, he was ordained at Spiritual Life Church. He helped found Oasis Church in Tomah, WI, and was very active at Harvest Time Church in Eleva, where he taught Bible classes.

Jim was always optimistic, curious, humble, and caring. He always made time for people who were struggling. He was a leader in his church, family, and community.

Jim was a loving and devoted husband, brother, father, and grandfather. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lyle and Arvilla, brother Gary, brother-in-law Lynn, and sister-in-law Judy. He is survived by his wife, Jane; his children, Stephen (Mary), Scott (Julie), Bryan, and Jennifer; his grandchildren, Corwin, Noah, and Ethan; and his siblings, Ron (Pat), Glenn, Jan (Sharon), sister Peggy Kolve, and sister-in-law Linda Deetz.

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at the American Legion in Eleva, WI on Saturday, July 11 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Lunch will be served at noon, with a memorial ceremony beginning at 1:00 p.m.