James “Jim” Michael Schiferl, born on September 10, 1938, in Dorchester, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully from Parkinson's disease on January 8, 2025, at the Marshfield Medical Center, Marshfield, WI.
Jim was a dedicated and active member of his community, known for his unwavering commitment to service and leadership.
Jim’s 55 years of service to Lions Club International at various levels was his greatest passion as a member of Abbotsford Lions Club and serving five times as president. He held many club offices and chaired major committees. He served as the District Governor District 27-C1 for Central Wisconsin. In addition, he held various leadership roles, including Wisconsin Lions Foundation Director, Lions Pride Foundation Board, Wisconsin Lions Eye Bank Board, Region Chairman for 27-C1, Region 4 (2004-2005), and was a member of the District MERLO Team and 27-C1 Convention Committee. Jim received numerous awards including the International President's Distinguished Leadership Award, Melvin Jones Fellow, Birch-Sturm Fellow, Hempel Fellow, the Lions Eye Bank Knight of Sight and Presidential Awards. Jim participated in dozens of Wisconsin Lions eye glass missions to Latin America. Jim was a delegate to many Lions International, State, and District Conventions.
Jim's dedication to service and leadership extended beyond the Lions Club. A longtime member of St. Bernard's Catholic Church, Jim also served as a member of the parish council. Jim served as an alderman for the City of Abbotsford for 10 years and the Colby-Abbotsford Police Commission. Jim was a 13-year member of the Abbotsford Jaycees, holding various leadership positions including three times past president. He was the President of the Schiferl Family Charitable Foundation and hosted AFS students (including Monica Leon), inter-city of Chicago students, and Lions International Youth Exchange students.
An entrepreneur at heart, he opened seven new business ventures and sold or exited them by 2003 when he sold his most cherished venture, Schiferl Realty to dedicate more time to volunteer for numerous organizations while continuing to work in real estate. Jim was also a member of the Central Wisconsin National Board of Realtors. He was a life member of the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce, served as the past president, and received the Abbotsford/Colby Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014. In 1998 the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce named Schiferl Realty as the "Business of the Year". Jim was a 50 year volunteer, raffle organizer and coordinator of the Abbotsford annual Christmas parade.
Jim was an avid bowler, card player, and Packer fan, even attending the 1967 Ice Bowl at Lambeau Field, which he often mentioned in conversation.
Jim is survived by his loving wife and dedicated caregiver, Pauline, to whom he was married for 63 years. He is also survived by his children: Robert (Diane) Schiferl of Irmo, SC; Wayne (Deborah) Schiferl of Woodbury, MN; Linda (Mark) Gelhaus of Caledonia, WI; and Michael (Sarah Cunniff) Schiferl of Middleton, WI. He leaves behind 11 grandchildren, Jenna, Adam, Ryan, Megan, Sean, Ben, Ashley, Charlene, Josephine, Egan, Bryanna, and 3 great-grandchildren, Noah, Luke, Elena. Siblings Janet Johnson, Barbara Haddix, Elizabeth Muthiani, Charlotte Moldenhauer, Ronald (Melissa Miller) Schiferl, Richard (Elizabeth) Schiferl, and the Rev. David Schiferl.
Preceded in death by his parents Felix and Frances Schiferl, and his sister Anette Schiferl.
Jim's legacy of service, leadership, faith, and dedication to his community will be remembered and cherished by all who knew him.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 18th, 2025 at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, Abbotsford followed by burial in Abbotsford Public Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Friday January 17th from 4-7 PM, at Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home, Abbotsford and Saturday, January 18th, 10 to 11 AM prior to the funeral service at St. Bernard’s.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to the Wisconsin Lions Foundation – “Lions Camp”, 3834 County Road A, Rosholt, WI 54473 - https://wlf.info/donate/