Kiesling, James H.

James H. Kiesling, age 77, of Oregon, WI, formerly of Madison, passed away on Monday, March 9, 2026 after a short battle with cancer.

Jim was born on February 4, 1949, in Baraboo, WI, to Richard and Margaret Kiesling. The family moved to Madison in 1965, and there he attended Madison West High School, class of 1967. Jim loved the outdoors and would drop a line in the water any chance he got. He believed that a bad day fishing was still better than a good day at work.

He spent many years landscaping, making the Madison area beautiful. His favorite career was working at Dorn Hardware in their sporting goods store. His vast knowledge of fishing and all things outdoors made it fun and interesting for the customers, and he made many friends there.

Jim is survived by his children, Kristine (Frank) Reed, Melissa (Todd) Osborne, and Joshua (Angie) Kiesling, his brothers, Rick (Shirley) Kiesling, Bill Kiesling, David Kiesling, and his many grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents Richard and Margaret, and his sister Gayle (Pat) Ryan.

He had many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly, and friends from West High School who meant the world to him. We would like to extend a very heartfelt thank you to Jim’s ex-wife and still dear friend, Florence Regge. She was an incredible support to him throughout his cancer journey and for that, we are forever grateful.

Jim preferred to have no funeral service or end of life celebration. The best way for family and friends to memorialize him is to recall the good times they had together and to remember him every time they cast a line fishing.

May the fish always be biting, and may you never again have “one last cast”.

Gorgen Funeral Services

www.gorgenfh.com