James A. Risgaard, Sr.

James (Bomber) A Risgaard Sr., age 78 of Rio, died on Wednesday July 26, 2017 at At Home Again Rio after a 2-year battle with Alzheimers.

Bomber was born September 16, 1938 to Soren (Spec) and Alice (Boutwell) Risgaard and raised in Rio. He graduated from Rio High School. Bomber then entered the Navy serving 4 years Honorably.

He married Diane “Brookman” Risgaard August 22, 1961 in Pulaski Virginia and they resided in Rio WI and raised two children, Jim Jr and Robyn. Jim and Diane resided together up until Diane’s passing on 9 September 2001.

Bomber worked at a couple jobs over the last 40 years namely as a construction laborer and a machinist, enjoyed playing the Rio Home Talent Baseball Team as well as watching anything Wisconsin Sports whether it be the Badgers, Packers or Brewers, however Bomber’s intention for work was only to get to retirement so he could devote all his time to his true passion in life, the outdoors with hunting, fishing and trapping which he did religiously and with utter devotion up until his battle with Alzheimer's.

Bomber is survived by his two children James (Sandra) Risgaard and Robyn (Sandy Pharis) Risgaard, two brothers Bill and Danny Risgaard and three grandchildren Cole, Brynn and Soren Risgaard and was preceded in death by his parents and wife.

Bomber leaves behind an amazing group of Madeline Island hunting buddies (David “Thunder” and Lloyd Hinzeman and Chopper Roberts) as well as his Madeline Islander Posse; Arnie, Ronny, Mikey, Mike and Carol. Their four annual trips to Madeline Island, WI were…well let’s just say what happens on the island stays on the island, however now, What were the 4 Musketeers are now the 3 Amigos.  

The family would like to send out a gracious thank you to Dave and Gracie Hinzeman who were so supportive to Bomber over the years and specifically the final two years he battled Alzheimers, most notably Thunders daily visits to his best friend Bomber right up until the very end. The family would also like to extend a thank you to Generations Hospice who were instrumental in making Bombers last days comfortable and lastly a tremendous thank you to Alexandra, Josh and the crew at At Home Again Rio whose care for Bomber over the two year battle was nothing less than stellar and above and beyond…thank you so very much.

Memorial services will be held Sunday, July 30 at 11:30 AM at Grasse Funeral Home in Rio with Rev. Ann Walsvik officiating with a reception following. Interment will follow at Lowville Cemetery, Poynette. Visitation will be held from 10 AM until the time of service. Lastly a Hunters Quote: “MY DINNER IS STILL IN THE WOODS.” UNKNOWN.

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