James Nachtigal

James "Jim" Nachtigal, age 77 of DeForest, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with Cholangiocarcinoma, on September 14, 2016. He was born on December 25, 1938 in Hillsboro, the son of George and Josephine (Stanek) Nachtigal. James was united in marriage to Patricia Coy on June 18, 1960 in Hillsboro. Together they raised two children, Terry and Jamie.

James graduated from Richland Center High School in 1956. After graduation he became a cheese-maker and worked for various cheese factories. Later on, he moved to Kenosha and worked for American Motors for 7 years. His career path changed and he obtained his education in sheet metal and was employed with John Zinane Sheet Metal Company. He eventually moved to Sun Prairie and worked for H&H Sheet Metal Company, before retiring in 2000. James enjoyed deer, raccoon and squirrel hunting, and was an avid horse shoe player. He also loved watching the Packer and Badger football games; but his favorite love was cheering on his grand-kids on the sidelines. His treasures in life were his family and friends, which he loved and adored. James and Pat always had a good time with their friends playing "Wheel of Fortune" and dining at various supper clubs. James and Pat also traveled extensively in their retirement years. James was a country boy at heart and loved 4 wheeling and spending time on his "Eighty Acres" in Richland County. He was a member of St. Albert the Great Catholic Church and belonged to the Knights of Columbus. He was also a member of Wisconsin Sheet Metal Workers Union and the NRA.

James is survived by his wife of 56 years Patricia; his son Terry (Julie) Nachtigal, and his daughter Jamie (Bruce) Daub; His mother Josephine; grandchildren David ( Emily), Dan, and Dylan Daub; and Taylor, James and Troy Nachtigal. He is also survived by his siblings Mary Jo ( George) Schumacher, Barbara ( John) Seep, Francis ( Marie) Nachtigal, Patty ( Jerry) Leslie, David ( Diane) Nachtigal, Tim ( Jackie) Nachtigal, and Fritz ( Angie) Nachtigal. He also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews and extended family. He was preceded in death by his infant twin daughter Jodie Lee and his father George.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, September 19, 2016 at St. Albert the Great Catholic Church, 2420 St. Albert Drive, Sun Prairie at 11:00 am with Monsignor Donn Heiar presiding. A visitation will be held prior to the mass from 10:00-11:00 am at St. Albert the Great Church. Visitation will also be held from 2:00 pm until 4:00 pm on Sunday, September 18, 2016 at Cress Funeral Home, 1310 Emerald Terrace, Sun Prairie. Burial will take place on Tuesday, September 20, 2016 at 12:00 pm at the Czech National Cemetery in Yuba.

Memorials may be made to Agrace Hospice or charity of your choice in memory of James.
The family would like to give a special thank you to Agrace Hospice and family and friends that reached out to James during his journey.

Cress Funeral Home
1310 Emerald Terrace
Sun Prairie, WI
608-837-9054