James (Jim) N. Schliesman
PORTAGE- James (Jim) N. Schliesman passed away on April 16, 2026, at the age of 81.
Jim was born on December 20, 1944, at the Poynette hospital, the son of Norbert and DeVota (Knutson) Schliesman. He graduated from Poynette High School in 1963 and received a BA Degree, majoring in Accounting from Madison Business College graduating in 1966. Jim married Charlene Kopplin at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Poynette, WI on January 13, 1968. They settled in Portage and were blessed with the birth of three beautiful children. Jim began his accounting career in 1968 with the CPA firm Miller, Brussell, Ebben and Glaeske (formally Miller and Hoppe). In 1977 Jim became controller of Portage Casting & Mold, Inc. retiring on December 31, 2010, after 33 years of service.
Jim and Charlene enjoyed camping with their children as well as traveling throughout Wisconsin and several western states including Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, and other mountain areas. This joy of camping and travel was apparently passed on to their children as they now have seasonal camping sites where they spend time with their families. Jim was active in sports while in high school, especially curling, which he continued by playing throughout his adult life. He passed on his love of curling to his children and his grandson, Dylan, as well as his great-grandson, Lucas.
Jim is survived by his daughter, Brenda (John, Jr) Panten of Markesan, grandson, Dylan (Kendra) Knackert and great grandsons, James and Yannis, of Kingston, WI, granddaughter, Trinity (Cameron) Nelson and great grandson Sutton, of Beaver Dam; his son Michael (Julie) Schliesman of rural Montello, granddaughters Meagan McConley and great grandsons Jackson and Lucas also of rural Montello and granddaughter Kelsey Borchers of Beaver Dam; also one brother, Earl (Nancy) Schliesman of Knoxville, TN., Sister-in-law Sandra Schliesman of Menomonee Falls, WI and brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Marliss Dierdorf of Portage. He is further survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Jim is preceded in death by his wife of 54 years Charlene, son Shannon, his parents Norbie and DeVota, brothers William (Willie) and Robert (Bob) sister-in-law, Carole and other aunts, uncles and cousins.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Portage, with Rev. Randy Timmerman presiding. Burial will follow in St. Mary Cemetery in Portage. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, from 9:30 until 11:00 a.m. at the church in Portage.
Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage is assisting the family.
