James "Jim" Kirch

James "Jim" Kirch

February 23, 1934 - December 16, 2025

Send Flowers

Obituary

MOUNT HOREB - James Leo Kirch, age 91, of Mount Horeb, passed away on Tuesday, December 16, 2025. He was born on February 23, 1934, in Arena, Wis., the son of Robert and Kathryn (Lloyd) Kirch.


James graduated from Mount Horeb High School in 1952. He married Karen Duffy on April 4, 1959. They were only married for seven months before Karen tragically passed away in a car accident. He married Ellen Ruppert on his birthday, February 23, 1963, and they were together for 62 wonderful years.


James suffered a tremendous amount of heart ache in his life; he also lost his beloved son, Scott, in 1986.


James served in the U.S. Army from 1954-1956. He worked as a Master Plumber for the University of Wisconsin-Madison for 28 years.


He was a quiet man, very welcoming and always had a nice thing to say about everyone. He liked to hunt and fish, and he enjoyed a good round of golf with Ellen. Traveling was a huge part of his and Ellen's life. He was very good with his hands and was very creative. James was a very humble man, and he loved to spend time with his family.


James is survived by his wife, Ellen; daughters, Roberta (Douglas Whitmore) Kirch and Renee Kirch; granddaughters, Danielle Kirch-Whitmore and Rachel Kirch-Whitmore; step-granddaughter, Ashley (Bryan) Crosser; step-great-grandson, Will Crosser; step-great-granddaughter, Ellie Crosser; and sisters, Carol (Tom) Cleary and Joann Carden. He was preceded in death by his wife, Karen; parents, Kathryn and Robert; son, Scott Kirch; sisters, Rosemary (Warren) Wooten, Donna (Gene) Roche, Kathleen (Ellard) Kelly and Judy (Jim) Westphal; brothers, Bob (Bette) Kirch and David Kirch; and brother-in-law, Denny Carden.


A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. IGNATIUS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 109 S. Sixth St., Mount Horeb, at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, December 23, 2025. Burial will be held at St. Ignatius Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Tuesday.
 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Agrace HospiceCare. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.


Gunderson Camacho Mount Horeb
Funeral & Cremation Care
500 N. Eighth St.
(608) 437-5077

Events

23
Visitation
Tue Dec 23, 2025 @ 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM CDT
St. Ignatius Catholic Church • 109 S 6th St., Mount Horeb, WI 53572
Get Directions
23
Mass of Christian Burial
Tue Dec 23, 2025 @ 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM CDT
St. Ignatius Catholic Church • 109 S 6th St., Mount Horeb, WI 53572
Get Directions
23
Graveside Service
Tue Dec 23, 2025 @ 12:15 PM - 12:30 PM CDT
St. Ignatius Catholic Cemetery • -, Mount Horeb, WI 53572
Get Directions
23
Military Honors
Tue Dec 23, 2025 @ 12:30 PM - 12:45 PM CDT
St. Ignatius Catholic Cemetery • -, Mount Horeb, WI 53572
Get Directions

Photos

Add photos
of James
No photos of James have been shared yet.

Memories

Add a memory of
James
AK
A Memorial Tree was planted for James Leo Kirch
Other •
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Gunderson-Camacho Funeral Home – Mt. Horeb
GL
Greg Lawinger
Other •
Met Jim years ago for the first time, his wife and daughter Renee were going to a play and Jim and myself just hit off as friends right from start. He was such a kind and caring man,he will surely be missed.
G(
Glenys Westbury (Landen)
Other •
So sorry for your loss Ellen blessings for comfort to you and family
CS
Char Smith
Other •
I have known Jim and Ellen for many years. There will never be another man as quiet and kind as Jim. Even though he was quiet, he could be hilarious. He is already dearly missed. Rest in Peace, dear Jim. You lived a stellar life. 🙏
SW
Sue and Ron Wirth
Other •
Sure going to miss him, I loved making treats for him. Ron and I always enjoyed playing golf with you guys and sharing thoughts. Prayers
BF
Badger Honor Flight
Other •
On behalf of the Badger Honor Flight Board and all our volunteers, we extend our deepest condolences to you all, the family of James Kirch. We are grateful for his service to our great country. What an honor it was for us to take him on his well-deserved trip of a lifetime. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Share memorial