James “Jim” Michael Schlesser, 75, of Arcadia, died peacefully on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, surrounded
by loved ones.
Jim was born in Arcadia on January 12, 1949, to Wilmer and Aurelia (Sobotta) Schlesser. After
graduating from Arcadia High School, Jim went on to pursue and earn a teaching degree from Winona
State University where he graduated with honors. He was employed and taught Industrial Technologies
for 2 years at the Gale-Ettrick-Trempealeau High School, when his father died unexpectedly and Jim
decided to take over his family farm. Jim was united in marriage to Elizabeth “Betty” Maliszewski on July
10, 1971, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Pine Creek, and together the couple was blessed with their
daughter, Gail, and grandson, Dakota. Jim and Betty dairy farmed until selling the cows in 2005, to
which after they rented out the fields, though Jim continued to help during planting and harvesting
seasons. They also took pride in their yearly gardens and grew a variety of vegetables they often shared
with neighbors and friends.
Jim enjoyed spending time with his family and friends on the farm or cruising the countryside on his
Harleys or in the Corvettes. He loved taking trips with the bikes out West; visiting Sturgis, the Black Hills
and many other landmarks. His immense love for animals was truly evident in the care and
companionship he shared with his many German Shepherds and other pets, often going for rides in the
truck, taking trips to McDonald’s for cheeseburgers and French fries, and making laps around the farm
on the 4-wheeler. He always had a deep interest in World and Local History and was proud to volunteer
with the Arcadia Historical Society and partake in local geological digs with his friends. Though he
experienced sorrow and tragedy, Jim’s strength, wisdom, pride and hard-work ethic remained steadfast
and will forever be cherished in the memories and love shown to his family.
Jim is survived by his daughter: Gail Waletzko of Whitehall; grandson: Dakota (Jaydin) Waletzko of
Arcadia; sisters: Jane (Arthur) Ingram of Ocala, FL and Sue (Roger) Kulig of Whitehall; son-in-law: Allen La
Rue of New Auburn; and brother-in-law: Mike (Terri) Maliszewski of Eden Prairie, MN.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Betty in 2010; and cherished pets.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at Sacred Heart Catholic
Parish, Pine Creek, with Father Kyle Laylan officiating. Family and friends are welcome for visitation from
4-7 PM at the Wozney-Killian Funeral Home on Friday, April 12, 2024, where there will be a public prayer
service beginning at 7 PM, and also one hour prior to the mass at church on Saturday. Burial will be in
the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Arcadia Historical Society or
directing memorials to “Family Wishes”. To express condolences to his family online, please visit
http://www.wozneykillianfh.com.