James H. Schlagenhaft (Jim) was born into Eternal Life February 25, 2026 at the age of 95 surrounded by loving family.
Jim was born on October 18th, 1930 in Marshfield, WI to August and Margaret (Beining) Schlagenhaft. He graduated from Marshfield Senior High in 1948. After High School he became a carpenter on schools, churches, homes and factories. The pinnacle of his early experience was working on the Fort Randall Dam on the Missouri River.
Jim joined the US Army National Guard Reserves 32nd Infantry “Red Arrow” Division in 1949. He was mobilized for active duty in the Korean War in 1951 and served as a paratrooper with the 101st Airborne 187th Regiment in Korea. While on combat night patrol, he was seriously wounded. In 1953 he was honorably discharged but remained in the Army National Guard Reserves until 1958. He was awarded the Purple Heart Medal. Jim didn’t speak of his military experience often, but on occasion he would reminisce about going out on the town with his Army buddies or hitch hiking back home to Marshfield upon discharge. He was a stoic and humble man who loved his country and those who served it.
Jim returned to Wisconsin and enrolled in Stout State College, majoring in Industrial Arts and Education. During college, he met a lovely young lady from Marshfield named Mary Jane Hastreiter, who was attending Mount Mary College. They exchanged many letters during their four year, long distance courtship and on July 5th, 1958, they married. Jim began his career at Milwaukee Area Technical College and they settled down in a small flat in Wauwatosa, and started their family. As a carpenter and homebuilder, Jim had dreams of designing and building his own home. His family was growing so he drafted plans and built Mary Jane a lovely home in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. He was very proud of this home. and remained there with Mary Jane for their entire life.
At Milwaukee Area Technical College Jim taught carpentry and other related classes, eventually moving into the High School Contract Division teaching Math class and other general education courses. He achieved a Master of Science Degree in Educational Psychology from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee in 1968. He worked as a Guidance Counselor for High School students at Milwaukee Area Technical College for the remainder of his career. Upon retirement, he was awarded Outstanding Recognition for Loyal Service of 37 Years as an educator and counselor for MATC.
Jim was a wonderful father to his six children. With Mary Jane, he raised them well and taught them how to build a life for themselves. He enjoyed gardening, wood working, fishing, camping, playing horseshoes and bowling with his many friends. He loved being in the great outdoors and inspired his children to appreciate nature. Jim was a member of the Toastmasters Club and prided himself in delivering an excellent speech. He was actively involved in the Knights of Columbus where he served as the Grand Knight of the Milwaukee Pere Marquette Council 524.
Jim was generous with his time, talents, and knowledge, and always available to help those in need. He enjoyed using his technical, problem solving, and design skills to assist family and friends with projects. He was compassionate and giving, and strongly supported many charitable causes.
Jim was the beloved husband of the late Mary Jane (2011). Loving father of Lori (Dave) Held, Ann (Rob) Leibold, Lee (Darrell) Lidwin, Dan (Becky) Schlagenhaft, Amy (John) Weaver and Jimmy Schlagenhaft. Proud Grandpa of Zachary (Samantha), Matt, Erin (Tim), Shawn (Jaclyn), Margo, Brian (Sydney), Dan (Rachel), Jake (Taylor), Jack, Joe, Quinn and Kira. Beloved great-grandpa of Eden, Beau, August, Levi, Bennett and Woodrow. Dear brother of Earl (Carol) Schlagenhaft, Bill (Mary) Schlagenhaft and Carol (the late James) Morgan. Further survived by many nieces, nephews and other family and friends. Preceded in death by siblings Lorraine Kemp (2021), LaVern Schlagenhaft (1960), Elizabeth Ploog (1994), Bernard Schlagenhaft (2019), Thomas Schlagenhaft (1991) and Dorothy Bremmer (2025).
A visitation will be held at St. Anthony Catholic Church, N74W13604 Appleton Ave, Menomonee Falls, WI 53051, Friday, March 13 from 9:00 a.m. until Mass of Christian Burial is celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Private burial to follow at St. Anthony Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) or the Milwaukee Rescue Mission.
The family would like to thank the multiple care givers and medical staff who helped provide compassionate care in Jim’s final days. We are forever grateful.
