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James Dostal 03/17/2026

James Dostal 03/17/2026

James Dostal 03/17/2026

James “Jim” Edward Dostal, age 82, of New Richmond, WI, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, March 17, 2026. Born on July 10, 1943, in Rockford, IL, he was the beloved son of Norbert and Dorothy (LeJune) Dostal. He grew up on a farm in Haugen, WI and acquired the nickname “Butch” which stuck through his childhood and with his siblings still today.  Jim’s early education led him to graduate high school and then attend Dunwoody College of Technology, where he honed the skills that would define his career.

In 1966, Jim embarked on his journey as a machinist at Doboy, dedicating nearly four decades to the manufacturing industry before retiring in 2004. He was known for his remarkable work ethic and his ability to solve even the most complex problems, earning the respect and admiration of his colleagues.

Beyond his professional life, Jim found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He had a passion for gardening and cherished moments spent in the company of family and friends, particularly during coffee breaks at Cedar Creek. Some of his most cherished memories were made at Glitter Lake Ontario, his hunting box, and under the juniper trees where he would spend hours chatting and enjoying the serenity of nature.  Jim spent many years hunting big game in Alaska and Canada. In his later years, he enjoyed turkey hunting.  He developed a love for bird watching, marveling at the beauty of the wildlife around him.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Tom Dostal. He is survived by his son, Phillip Dostal; his daughter, Julie (David) Sansone; and his beloved grandkids, Keegan and Kaleigh Sansone, along with a host of other relatives and friends who will carry forward his memory with love and fondness.

A Celebration of Life honoring Jim will be held on Friday, March 27, 2026, from 11 AM to 3 PM, with a memory sharing service beginning at 2 PM. The service will take place at Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services, located at 728 S Knowles Ave in New Richmond. Family and friends are invited to come together to reflect on Jim’s life, share stories, and celebrate the profound impact he made on all those who had the privilege of knowing him.

Jim will be dearly missed, but his spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of those who loved him. He shared his passion for the great outdoors with everyone around him, to remember him please spend some extra time with family, friends or take a peaceful walk in the woods to enjoy the beauty of nature.

 

10 Comments

  • Gene Mireau Posted March 19, 2026 3:51 pm

    I have many memories of working with JimmyD. We would sit at the break table every morning before work. We could always tell when Jim had been to the Creek the night before. He would have us all in stitches. He was always willing to give a person a helping hand. Just won’t be the same not seeing that smiling face! R.I.P. Jim

  • Jeff Kobs Posted March 19, 2026 4:20 pm

    Jim was the best trapper. I knew Doors man I knew a great friend gonna miss Jimmy.

  • Tim Otto Posted March 19, 2026 9:34 pm

    Grizzly Adams had absolutely nothing on Jim! A wealth of knowledge from a generation that worked hard and played harder. He will be remembered fondly.

  • Jim Reppe Posted March 20, 2026 6:20 am

    I knew Jim from all the years we both worked at Doboy. He was one of those “go-to” guys that could solve a machining challenge in the shop. He was always fun to talk to and listen to and many other employees respected him. Rest In Peace Jim.

  • Nancy Magoon Posted March 20, 2026 6:43 am

    The Creek will not be the same without you popping in. Whether it be about fishing, blueberries, asparagus or birds, the conversation was always a learning experience Fly high and RIP Jim !

  • Vicki Ledford Posted March 20, 2026 4:56 pm

    I cherish the friendship the JD and I created. We would spend quiet moments together sitting and listen to the Appple river trickle by and watch for birds or otters to come by. I will miss picking Blueberries together and hearing your stories of hunting, fishing and trapping.
    God bless you!

  • Linda SirekLarson Posted March 20, 2026 8:46 pm

    I remember spending at theDostal farm by Haugen when Jimwas ounge. Always a fun time. Yes he will be missed my many.RIP Jim.

  • Cindy Votruba Posted March 20, 2026 11:01 pm

    Jim was a good friend of my dad’s for many years going all the way back to Haugen. Heckuva guy. My sympathy.

  • Chris Boardman Posted March 21, 2026 8:43 am

    So many memories, from Mazatlan to Canada. Fishing, hunting, trapping and kayaking. Never a dull.moment with Jim. We spent many hours under the juniper or by the river chatting. I will miss your friendship. You were a cherished friend.

  • Greg Nelson Posted March 21, 2026 12:46 pm

    The memories are awesome, the weight is heavy, I have so many daily things that now won’t now get thrashed around between us. Wood to cut, ground left to cover and smart talk! Will miss you dearly and feel lucky for the ride with you and yours that I had! An Icon!

    g left to cover.

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