FITCHBURG, Wis. - On February 22, 2026, James Joseph “Jim” Ziehr passed away peacefully at the Courtyard Memory Care of Fitchburg. Jim was born on July 24, 1938, the first of four children born to Raymond Ziehr, DDS and Mary (Blumenthaler) Ziehr in Eau Claire, Wis.

Jim was raised in Augusta, Wis., and graduated from Augusta High School in 1956. He went on to attend Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wis. Jim earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. He was a proud Marquette alumni as were his dad and brother, Tom. After graduation, he joined the Army Reserves.

Following his service, Jim started working for the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT) as a Bridge Design Engineer, transitioning to be a Bridge Maintenance Engineer later in his career with the DOT. He was a proud civil servant and enjoyed his career with the WI DOT. He retired in 2000.

Jim met his wife, Phyllis (Johnson), early during his career at DOT. They were married on October 16, 1965, in Madison, Wis. They would enjoy and celebrate over 60 years of marriage. He and Phyllis had three children whom they raised in Fitchburg, Wis. In addition, he was a proud grandfather to his six granddaughters. In his retirement, he enjoyed attending their various activities as they grew up.

Jim was an avid reader, model train enthusiast, and photographer. He and Phyllis enjoyed many trips to Colorado to enjoy the scenic railroads.

Jim is lovingly survived by his wife, Phyllis Ziehr; and their three children, Susan (Mike Chandler), Michael (Kim Reid) and Mark (Cindy Galiano); along with their six cherished granddaughters, Carlie Chandler, Anabella Ziehr, Olivia Chandler, Alayna Ziehr, Madelaine Ziehr and Gabrielle Ziehr. He is further survived by his sisters, Marlene (Jim Dunigan) and Jeanine (Jerry Draves); brother-in-law, William Pickarts; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary and Raymond; brother, Thomas Ziehr; father-in-law, James Johnson and mother-in-law, Florence Johnson; and sister-in-law, Joan Pickarts.

A memorial service will be held at GUNDERSON FITCHBURG FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 2950 Chapel Valley Road, Fitchburg, at 4 p.m. on Friday, March 6, 2026. A visitation will be held at the funeral home from 2 p.m. until the time of the service on Friday.

The family would like to thank the staff at Courtyard Memory Care and Nurse Rachel from Bristol Hospice for their compassionate care and for providing comfort to Jim throughout his final months with us. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bristol Hospice Care or the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Fitchburg

Funeral & Cremation Care

2950 Chapel Valley Road

(608) 442-5002

James J. Ziehr

July 24, 1938 - February 22, 2026

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