James Francis “Jim” Voborsky

Jim Voborsky, age 85, passed away peacefully on February 26, 2024, after a battle with cancer. He was born on July 12, 1938, to Joseph and Vladislava Voborsky, in Chicago. In the first grade, the Voborsky family moved to central Wisconsin and began farming.

Jim graduated Mauston High School in 1956. He married the love of his life, Diane, in 1960. In 1963 he graduated from UW-Madison School of Civil Engineering. He went on to work for the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (Yellowtail Dam), American Institute of Timber Construction, and finally for the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. He was also a part-time musky guide in northern Wisconsin for many years. He and Diane enjoyed retirement together since 2000.

A few of Jim’s highest accomplishments were attaining Fellow status in the American Society of Civil Engineers; being a published speaker detailing the workings of Yellowtail Dam; and obtaining his Professional Engineer’s License in Montana and Wisconsin. Jim volunteered in many organizations over the years including: Rhinelander Catholic Central School Board, Headwaters, Lions Club, Knights of Columbus, the Catholic Church, Crescent Fire Department, Crescent Lake Association, and Ski Patrol. Jim’s hobbies were trap shooting, Single Action Shooting Society, hunting (with 2 Boone and Crocket records), fishing and skiing (water, downhill and cross-country).

Jim is survived by his wife of 63 years Diane of Rhinelander, daughters Anita (Kevin) Torgerson of Holmen and Terry (Kevin) Brehm of Hubertus, grandchildren Nick, Kirstin, Cy and Marie, great-grandchildren Finley and Jovie, sister Nancy (Mike) Fettis of Arlington Heights and brother Joe Voborsky Jr. of Adams. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Bob, sister Shirley and daughter Dawn.

The Voborsky family would like to sincerely thank the Aspirus Hospice homecare staff and the “Seasons of Life” Hospice Center in Woodruff for their expert and compassionate care of the entire family during his end-of-life care.

Visitation for Jim will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, March 9, 2024, at the Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church in Rhinelander. A Memorial Mass will be at 11 a.m., and a luncheon thereafter in the school gymnasium. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Jim’s memory may be given to the Nativity of Our Lord Catholic School or the American Cancer Society.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Hildebrand Funeral Home & Cremation Specialists, 24 E. Davenport Street Rhinelander, WI, 54501, 715-365-4343. Everyone is invited to sign the guestbook or leave an online condolence at www.hildebrandrussfh.com.