James "Jim" Bornbach, 82, of Marathon, WI, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday July 13, 2026 with his loving wife by his side. He was born in Rozellville, WI on October 22, 1943 to John and Eleanor (Linzmeier) Bornbach.
Jim leaves behind a life filled with family, friends and more love than we could capture in just a short reading. He loved being outside, working and being "on the go." He spent his early years working on the family farm and then moved to Iowa to continue farm work. He spent 3 years in the service from 1962-1965 studying mechanics.
In 1965, Jim met the love of his life, JoAnn Aschenbrenner. They were united in marriage at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Marshfield on June 18, 1966.
After working for years in the tire business, custodial services and water conditioning business, he decided to start his own water treatment business, Water Excellence. His business became a big success from its start in 1997 until his retirement in 2026 (the business will continue under Jim's grandson, Nick Schill).
Jim leaves behind his wife, his lifelong love JoAnn, six children: Cheryl, Daniel (Stacy), Cynthia, Connie, Christina, Darren (Danielle); 18 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. He is further survived by brothers, Alvin, David (Donna), Eugene, sister, Delores, brothers-in-law, Gary (Bonny) and Ken (Nancy), and sisters-in-law, Helen and Kathy.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, John and Eleanor, parents-in-law, Robert and Lovilia Aschenbrenner, brothers, Orville and Gerald, sisters, Joan (Ed Stockheimer) and Alice (Arthur) Schallock; two brothers-in law, Roger and Robert and sister-in-law, Betty.
The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 17, 2026 at St. Mary Catholic Church, Marathon, with full military honors to follow conducted by the American Legion Post No. 469, Marathon. Rev. Msgr. Joseph Diermeier will preside. Visitation will be on Thursday from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home in Marathon and again on Friday from 9:30 a.m. until time of services at the church.
