James J. “Jim” Tuescher, age 68 of rural Darlington, passed away Sunday, Sept. 10, 2017 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born Nov. 24, 1948 in Monroe, the son of Albert and Mary (Dorman) Tuescher. Jim graduated from Darlington High School in 1966. He grew up in Darlington. Following his graduation from high school, Jim was drafted into the United States Army and was stationed with the 1st Battalion 2nd Artillery 8th Division in Baumholder, Germany until he was honorably discharged in April of 1971 at which time he returned to Darlington to join the police force. He spent time as a deputy for Darlington from 1972-1977, worked for Lafayette County Sheriff’s Department from 1977 until 1980 when he started working as Chief of Police for Darlington until retiring from police work in 2000. From 2000-2015 he worked for the United States Postal Service as a rural mail carrier until his retirement in 2015.
Jim is survived by his children: Jeffrey (Cheryl) Tuescher of Elkhorn, Michael (Tanya Ward) Tuescher of Sun Prairie, Amanda (Jason) Paulson of Oregon, and Brent Tuescher of Darlington; two grandchildren: Ben and Sommer Tuescher; two brothers: Tom (Linda) Tuescher of New Berlin and Steve (Patty) Tuescher of rural Darlington; one sister: Jeanne (Gary Molitor) Sullivan of Rockford, Ill.; and several nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; and one sister: JoAnne Franklin.
Jim was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Darlington. He was a proud member of Bates-O’Brien-Howe-Wiegel-Roelli American Legion Post #214 of Darlington, was a lifetime member of Wisconsin Law Enforcement Officers Association, and served as an EMT for Rural Medical Ambulance Service for a number of years. Jim loved playing slow pitch softball and watching Wiota Home Talent Baseball. He was an avid Green Bay Packers, Wisconsin Badger, Milwaukee Brewers, and Darlington Redbird fan. He loved to spend time outside golfing and attending any and all of his grandchildren’s activities. He cherished the time he spent with his family creating memories they will all remember forever.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, Sept. 15, 2017 at 11:30 a.m. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, a branch of Our Lady of Fatima Parish (104 E. Harriet St, Darlington) with Rev. Joji Reddy officiating. Burial will be in Holy Rosary Cemetery where military graveside rites will be accorded by Bates-O’Brien-Howe-Wiegel-Roelli American Legion Post #214 of Darlington. A visitation will be held Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Erickson Funeral Home (508 Main Street, Darlington) where a rosary will be prayed at 4:00 p.m. and a Law Enforcement Service being held at 6:00 p.m. A visitation will also be held 10:30 a.m. until 11:15 a.m. on Friday at the church. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Darlington Friendship Fund.