James Willard Pelton

James W. Pelton, age 91, of Reedsburg, passed away on Friday, December 27, 2019 at the Reedsburg Area Medical Center. He was born at home in the Town of Winfield, the son of Nye H. and Alice (Brooks) Pelton. He was united in marriage to Ardel L. Noth in 1952 at the E.U.B. Church in Reedsburg. Jim proudly served his country in the U.S. Army following World War II in the Philippines.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter Nan Renee Schmeider;  siblings Montross (Ginny) Pelton, Walter Pelton, Keith (Vera) Pelton, Esther (Lew) Massey, Marian (Darrell) Higgins, Lee Pelton, Katherine  Pelton and aunt Elderine Brooks.

Jim is survived by his wife, Ardel; children Carmen Pelton of Ann Arbor, MI, Mark (Shaun) Pelton of Reedsburg and Lynn Pelton of Mauston; grandchildren Lucas (Katie) Pelton, Cody (Amy) Pelton, Dana (Devin) Gillespie, James Winker and Karen (Lance) Crowder; 10 great-grandchildren and sister-in-law Beverly Pelton.

A lifelong farmer, Jim was proud to carry on the stewardship of the family farm settled in 1850. He was innovative and forward-thinking in his business and in land conservation. With family help he built a new home for himself and Ardel next to the old farmhouse. He was an avid wood cutter and there was always plenty of wood to keep family fireplaces burning. For entertainment he and Ardel square-danced and later in life enjoyed swing dancing at the Devil’s Lake pavilion. After retirement he volunteered at Reedsburg’s Food Pantry and his square-foot garden was a source of joy and bounty. Travels included agri-tours throughout the country as well as Australia and Italy. He loved a good joke, a game of pinochle with his brothers and cracking nuts. His patience and good humor as caregiver to both his father and beloved wife was an example of compassion much admired by his family and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held from James and Ardel (Noth) Pelton by their children on Saturday afternoon, August 21, 2021. Friends of the family are invited to gather at 1:00 P.M. at the home of Mark and Shaun Pelton which is S2123 Highway H, Reedsburg, WI.

 The Farber Funeral Home, Reedsburg, is assisting the family.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James Willard Pelton, please visit our floral store.