James P. Maney Sr.

James P Maney Sr. went to live with the Lord on Christmas Day at the age of 96. He lived a long life that was full and devoted to God and helping those in need. He gave both his time and treasures to help people in the La Crosse Community and abroad.

He was born to James C. and Margaret (Johnson) Maney on March 2, 1921 in Sauk City, WI the eldest of three children. He was raised on a farm in Seneca, WI during the Great Depression. His parents raised all their children to be proud of where they came from and more importantly their faith. For this reason, Jim’s life was devoted to helping others and served on several boards.

After graduating from Aquinas High School in 1939, he worked several jobs while furthering his education at the now Western Technical College earning a Degree in Accounting. He would work at Gateway Transportation for over 35 years as Assistant Secretary of Payroll and serve as a Board Member until his retirement in 1981.

On May 15, 1954 he married Grace T. Olson in Stillwater, MN at St Michael’s Church. Before her death on November 10, 1969 they were blessed with four children. As a member of the Blessed Sacrament Parish Council he would meet his second wife Dr. Mary Scheurich whom he wed on December 4, 1971.

He was a member of the Knights of Columbus for 73 years and was Knighted Fourth Degree and served as Faithful Navigator and active until he could no longer attend events. He was a member of the Serra Club for over 60 years, a supporter of Viterbo University, Mayo Clinic Health System, the Crosier Fathers and Brothers. He volunteered his time for the Family and Children’s Center and assisted in the early years of St Clare’s Mission.

In April of 1990, James and Mary were inducted into the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, rising to the rank of Lord Grand Cross Holy Sepulchre. They made several pilgrimages to the Holy Land and Rome. In addition they took vacations all over the world, but the one he talked about the most was his trip to Ireland, the birthplace of his ancestors.

In 2008, he was honored to receive the Bishop John Paul Distinguished Alumni Award from Aquinas Catholic School.  The award is given to a graduate of Aquinas who actively practices the Catholic Faith, distinguishes themselves in their community, made significant achievements in their chosen field, and demonstrated support for Aquinas Catholic Schools. He was a lifelong Catholic who practiced his faith daily by attending mass and saying the Rosary nightly. He and his late wife Mary supported Blessed Sacrament Parish. She preceded him in death in 2004.

James is survived by his four children and their families: Margaret (Robert) Corson, Winter Garden, FL; Dr. James (Ann) Maney, Brookfield, WI; Kathleen (Thomas) Weisbecker, La Crosse; Robert (Katherine) Maney, La Crosse. Seven Grandchildren: Kaitlin and Kristin Corson; Erin (John) Kramp and Shauna (Nick) Lupica; Sarah and Joshua (Cynthia) Yeske; and Robert James Maney, nieces and nephews who will miss him dearly. He was the eldest and last member of his family.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, January 3, 2018 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 130 Losey Blvd., La Crosse, Wis. Rev. Peter Raj and Rev. James Altman will officiate with burial to be held in Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4 to 6:00 PM, Tuesday, January 2, 2018 with a Rosary led by Msgr. Robert Hundt at 5:30 PM at Blaschke & Schneider Funeral Home, 1501 West Ave. South, La Crosse, Wis. There will also be a visitation from 10:00 AM until the time of Mass at Church on Wednesday.