James Lucht

James Lucht

August 25, 2023

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Obituary

MADISON - James Richard “Jim” Lucht, 78, of Madison, Wis., passed away with family by his side on Aug. 25, 2023, at Cottingham Hospice House in Seneca, S. C.


Jim was born on May 27, 1945, to Willard and Hazel Lucht in Waukesha, Wis. After Jim graduated from Waukesha South in 1963, he went on to UW-Madison to earn his civil engineering degree. On Sept. 9, 1967, Jim married his high school sweetheart, Janice Lange, also from Waukesha. Together they remained and lived in the Madison area with their two children, Steve and Krista.


For nearly 50 years, Jim worked as a civil engineer for the Wisconsin Department of Transportation and many companies including Donahue, Rust, and Earth Tech; designing, constructing, and inspecting bridges throughout the state. Although Jim spent a great deal of his time working, he always found time to include his life-long hobbies of bicycling and racquetball. More recently, Jim enjoyed traveling with his wife and many friends they met along the way. They also enjoyed spending the winters in South Carolina and riding across the country on their Spyder with other SOAR members.


He is survived by his wife, Janice, of nearly 56 years; his sister, Barb Barthell; his children, Steve Lucht of Seneca, S. C., and Krista Anton (Lucht) of Johnson Creek, Wis.; as well as his grandchildren, Dalton and Madison Anton, and Josie Lucht. Jim was preceded in death by his parents; in-laws, Roy and Ruth Lange; and brother-in-law, Burt Barthell.


A visitation will be held at GUNDERSON FITCHBURG FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 2950 Chapel Valley Road, Fitchburg, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023.


In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Road Warrior Foundation which provides adventures to military veterans by empowering them through challenges that honor their service, a foundation Jim honored deeply. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com


Gunderson Fitchburg
Funeral and Cremation Care

2950 Chapel Valley Rd
608-442-5002



Events

05
Visitation
Thu Oct 5, 2023 @ 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM CDT
Gunderson Fitchburg Funeral & Cremation Care • 2950 Chapel Valley Road, Fitchburg, WI 53711
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James
JS
Jeff Smith
Other •
One of the best. Great man, mentor, and friend. He will be missed by many and forgotten by none.
JT
Jon Traver
Other •
Jan and Family, I have fond memories of our swimming days at Waukesha South and watching Jim play football. We ran into each other every 10 years or so in Madison, the last time at a racquetball tournament about 10 years ago. Jim was a champion swimmer, tough-as-nails football player, accomplished engineer (I think the bridge over Fish Hatchery Road was one of his) racquetball champion and devoted family man. What a legacy you can all be so proud of, and I'm proud that he was my friend. I can't make his memorial next week because I'll be visiting our kids and grandkids in Minneapolis, but you will be in my thoughts. Jon Traver
DA
David R Anderson
Other •
My relationship w/ Jim started decades ago @ the Madison West YMCA in the Racquetball Court. At the time I was not qualified to carry Jim’s duffel bag, but as the years rolled by I became a better player & knew that each time I walked into the court w/ Jim I was in for a battle. He was a fierce competitor & always in good physical condition.& a true gentleman. The last time I saw Jim was at a birthday celebration for a mutual friend, I was shocked to see the change in Jim’s appearance & in a wheelchair. Unfortunately, it was a party & lots of people to see, since our time in Madison is now limited. After leaving a message in June, Janice was kind to call me last week w/ the news of Jim’s passing. My heart goes out to Janice & the family he was clearly one of the good ones. With much love & compassion. David Anderson
JF
James Forseth
Other •
I worked with Jim on the Marquette Interchange project. He was a great engineer and mentor. Although we had some challenges on the project, I never saw him without a smile. He took a team approach when addressing issues which not only lead to sound engineering decisions in the field, but also significantly contributed to the development of many young engineers.
DL
Don & Trish Lange
Other •
I remember our years together at the University of Wisconsin, first in Sullivan Hall, and then the last two years as suite mates on North Prospect. we had so many good times and laughter was always part of the recipe, our paths diverged after graduating, but in the last few years, we reconnected on zoom, and caught up with the goings-on in each others lives. We both shared a neurological problem that challenged our mobility, but Jim’s spirit was unaltered, always having an upbeat attitude and with great support from Janice. May you rest in peace my old friend, and our sincere condolences to Janice and the family. Don and Trish Lange.

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