James Henry Bandli, age 92, of Rice Lake, departed for his heavenly home Thursday February 27th, 2025.

Jim was born in a hospital in Eau Claire on May 12th, 1932 to Henry and Adeline (Haag) Bandli. He graduated from Rice Lake High School- Class of 1949. He met Esther Toft at a dairy show at the Barron County Fair and they were later married on Sept. 22, 1956. They were blessed with four sons, Timothy, David, Peter and Michael. Jim farmed alongside his father, Henry, and eventually took over his family’s Sunny Mead Farm, which became a Century Farm, and improved their herd of Registered Guernseys. He made his living on the farm, but had several other side interests. He was a UW Madison Ag Short Course graduate, was on the Rice Lake Farmer’s Union Board, and served as a Rice Lake School Board member. Through the years he was active in 4-H and a member of the AmericanGuernsey Association. He was also an active member of Canton United Methodist Church, and then, First United Methodist Church in Rice Lake.

Jim and Esther had the gift of hospitality. Anyone from Pastors, students from Ethiopia, visitors from Japan, Kazakhstan, Yemen, Norway, and neighbors and friends were welcome at the Bandli table. Jim loved to visit and tell stories. He shared advice with wit and a nugget of wisdom. He had a strong faith. He also loved to read anything and everything. He treasured his family and enjoyed spending time with them. He was not happy about leaving the farm when he needed more care, but found a loving home at Woodstone Assisted Living in Rice Lake. The care team at Woodstone became family. He loved each of them the most!

Jim is survived by his sons: Timothy (Linda), David, Peter (Candy) and Michael (Jill). Grandchildren: Rebecca (Steven) McMahon, John Bandli, Rachel Bandli, Billy (Anne) Bandli, Ben Bandli, Alex Bandli, Beth (Riley) Smeaton, and Brooke Bandli. Greatgrandchildren: Emma, Leo and Henry. Brother-in-Law Paul (Shirley) Toft and many nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Esther and infant daughter, Debbie, his sister Betty (Bruce) Eames, sister-in-law, Ardys Toft, brother-in-law, Edward Toft, and his parents, Henry and Adeline Bandli. We would like to thank our Woodstone Assisted Living family of caregivers for their love and care of our Dad. Thanks, also, to Interim Healthcare Hospice for their end-of-life care.

Funeral services will be held at 11 am, Monday, March 10th, 2025 at First United Methodist Church in Rice Lake, Rev. Jess De Los Santos officiating. Visitation will be held on Sunday,March 9th from 1-3 pm at Appleyards Home for Funerals in Rice Lake, WI, and 1 hour before the service. Interment will be at Pioneer Rest Cemetery at a later date. Memorials can be given to the First United Methodist Church of Rice Lake.

Last Update: Feb 28, 2025 1:29 pm CST