James Richard "Jim" DeVoe, 89, of South Wayne, WI, passed away peacefully on September 23, 2024, in the warmth of his home, surrounded by those he cherished most. Born on December 8, 1934, at home in rural Green County, to Clarence and Leona (Johnson) DeVoe, Jim’s life was a testament to love, hard work, and dedication to family.
Jim was raised on the family farm in rural South Wayne, where he developed a deep love for the land and graduated from South Wayne High School in 1952. It was in high school that he met his lifelong love, Mary Lou Schliem, who would become his beloved wife. The couple married on April 22, 1955, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in South Wayne and began their journey together, working side by side on the DeVoe family farm. Together, they farmed and raised five children. Jim’s pride in his work as a farmer was evident to all who knew him and the farm thrived under their care. Even after retiring from farming, Jim and Mary remained inseparable, working together at Swiss Colony for several years, sharing yet another chapter of life as partners in everything they did. They remained on the farm until earlier this year.
When he wasn’t out on the farm, Jim could be found bowling, reading, playing a game of cards, or watching westerns with a bowl of popcorn in his lap. An excellent card player with a competitive spirit, he was known to bid without much to back it up, but still came out victorious. But more than winning, he relished the time spent at the card table with friends and family, filling the room with stories and humor. Jim had a sharp wit, an infectious laugh. and an undeniable gift for storytelling. Those who knew him were captivated by his recollections of life on the farm or his tales of past adventures.
He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who built his world around the people he loved most. The memories he created with Mary and his children during family vacations, holiday gatherings, and countless ordinary days will be treasured for generations to come. Though he said that he was “just a farmer”, to those who loved him, he was so much more.
Jim is survived by his devoted wife of 69 years, Mary DeVoe; their children: Laurene (Jim) Winn of South Wayne, Laura (Chris) Holverson of Monroe, Janet (Rod) Hank of Castle Rock, CO, Dan (Natasha) DeVoe of Manchester, England, and David (Michelle) DeVoe of Nicholasville, KY. He was the proud grandfather of 13 grandchildren: Amy (Jason) Kundert, Adam (Emily) Holverson, Anna (Paul) Ritschard, Aaron (Meghann) Holverson, Alan (Hannah) Holverson, Abbie Bergum, Molly (Jarrett) Nelson, Emily Bergum, Elias (Anna) DeVoe, Teagan DeVoe, Thalia DeVoe, Allison DeVoe, and Sawyer DeVoe, and the loving great-grandfather of 17 great-grandchildren. Jim was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Opal Grossen and Mary Ann Matthews; and many special brothers-in-law.
Friends and family are invited to a visitation on Sunday, September 29th from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Shriner Hager Gohlke Funeral Home; and from 10:00 A.M. until the time of service at the church on Monday. A Celebration of Jim’s Life will be held on Monday, September 30th at 11:00 a.m. at Peace Bible Church in Browntown, with Pastor Scott Cernek officiating. A luncheon will follow the funeral service, where stories will continue to be shared, just as Jim would have loved.
A memorial fund has been established in his name.
