James Francis Oeth

MADISON - James Francis Oeth, age 76, of Verona, passed away on Tuesday June 18, 2024, of natural causes. He was born on Oct. 29, 1947, in Dubuque, Iowa, the son of Arthur and Mary (Schmidt) Oeth.

Jim graduated from Wahlert High School in 1965 and from the University of Iowa in 1969. He married Bette Beurskens on June 21, 1969, in Dubuque. For all his professional career, Jim worked as a civil engineer in the state of Wisconsin. He was the Lead Project Manager at AECOM for some of Wisconsin’s largest highway projects. Jim also served as the Board and District Council President of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul - Madison for several years. He was a past member of the City of Madison Planning Commission as well. Jim and Bette were both active in the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and completed two century bike rides in Death Valley to raise money for the foundation. Jim was a member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church and played guitar in the church’s music group for over two decades.

Jim enjoyed creating stained glass artwork, woodworking and attending his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events. In his younger adult years, he volunteered with his son’s Boy Scout troop and children’s sports teams. Jim and Bette were avid travelers and have visited over 25 countries and numerous national parks. He captured their journeys and family outings in photographs, creating lasting memories for his family to cherish. Jim also enjoyed spending time at the family cottage in Princeton, Wis.

Jim is survived by his wife, Bette; children, Damon (Jessica) Oeth, and their children, Alexander, Caden and Calvin; Justin (Meggan) Oeth, and their children, Adeline, Kaleb, Gavin and Micah; and Megan (Garrett Krueger) Oeth, and their daughter, Lainey Krueger; brother, Dennis (Linda) Oeth; sister-in-law, Sue Davis; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Steve Oeth.

A memorial service will be held at GUNDERSON FITCHBURG FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 2950 Chapel Valley Road, Fitchburg, at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, with Father Jim Marchionda, a close family friend presiding. A luncheon will follow. A visitation will be held at the funeral home from 6 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, and also from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Wednesday. A private burial will take place at Natural Path Sanctuary - Farley Center for immediate family members.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul - Madison, svdpmadison.org/donate. Online condolences can be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Fitchburg

Funeral & Cremation Care

2950 Chapel Valley Road

(608) 442-5002