James H. Moan
PORTAGE – James H. Moan, of Portage, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully, at the age of 92, on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, surrounded by the love of his life and the family he cherished more than anything. He lived an adventurous life stitched together with fishing, hunting, laughter, love, and a whole lot of sawdust.
Jim was born on August 7, 1932, in Black River Falls, Wisconsin, to parents Eva M. Rogers and Ingvald M. Moan. Jim was one of thirteen children.
Jim married the love of his life, Nyla V. Niblo on March 9, 1957, in Adams, Wisconsin. He was proud to share his days with his “Myrtle.” They were married for 68 years, a love story that set the bar high and proved that real commitment never goes out of style. Together, they built a life of joy, love, and tradition. They established the kind of home where their grandchildren opened the door and walked straight to the fridge to fill their bellies.
Jim was a member of the United States Air Force from March 29, 1951, to March 25, 1955. He proudly served during the Korean War. He began his military career as a gunner on a B-29 bomber and later transitioned to an aircraft hydraulic mechanic for a B-47 bomber. In 1955, Jim was honorably discharged at the conclusion of his enlistment as Airman 1st Class. He was decorated with a National Defense Service Medal and a Good Conduct Medal.
Jim spent 39 years employed at Aramark Linen and Towel Service as a district manager. In his retirement, he spent many years working for Portage Glass Company.
Jim loved four things deeply: his family, the outdoors, making things with his hands, and telling stories.
In the early 1960’s, Jim started the Badgerland Bowhunters Club in LaCrosse, Wisconsin. The club spent most of their hunting together at Fort McCoy. Throughout his time in the club, he acquired the nickname “The Old Guy,” due to being the eldest member. Jim spent many years guiding clients and family elk and mule deer hunting in Colorado.
Jim used his talents working with his hands to make custom fishing rods. He enjoyed restoring bamboo fly rods and making the shadow boxes to display them. He also spent time tying flies for fishing. He especially loved making sure each and every one of his family members had one of his special rods, with their special number on it, whether they were fishermen, or not.
Jim was a mentor for many hunters and fishermen. One of his greatest joys was sharing his love for hunting and fishing with his family, his children, and grandchildren most. He did his best hunting and mentoring with his family by his side.
Jim also used his talents working with his hands to create masterpieces of wood. His woodworking quickly became special for his family, because of all the unique keepsakes he created for them.
Faith has been important to Jim and was rekindled after a time of doubt. He was baptized, at the age of 92, to show his strength with the Lord. He has attended church every Sunday for the past year and enjoyed worshiping at TORN, in Portage, Wisconsin. Pastor Fred guided his rekindled faith.
Jim was a man who did not mince words, some could even make you squirm a little, but when he spoke you listened. He believed in hard work, firm handshakes, and honoring your word.
Jim’s legacy is not just in the work he did, the fish he caught, or the woods he walked; it is in the people he leaves behind: his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and anyone lucky enough to fish, hunt or sit on the porch with him. He even had a special nickname for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, that only he could remember.
He may have put away his bow and hung up his fishing rod here on earth, but rest assured, he is in Heaven telling tall tales, visiting with family that left too soon, rocking the babies we never got to hold, guiding for elk and deer, fishing and hunting, building for those up there, and keeping an eye on all of us down here.
If Jim could leave one last thought it would be, “Don’t be sad for me. I got more years than most people dream of. I got to love a special woman every day for nearly seven decades. I watched my kids grow up, my grandkids thrive, and held great-grandbabies in my arms. I caught fish the size of my leg. ☺️ I lived well. So, dry your eyes, go outside, or play some cards, do what you love, and remember me in each of those moments.”
Jim is survived by his wife, Nyla; children, Vicky (Joe) Freidel, Mark (Deb) Moan, Todd Moan, Rhonda Johnson; grandchildren, Josh (Jenny) Freidel, Digger (Josh) Cole, Heather (Adam) Fischer, Jason (Ashley) Moan, Mandy (Ben) Sitzman, Brittney (Calvin) Quam, Jacob Johnson, Ryan Freidel, Jordan Moan, Coltyn (Courtney) Johnson, Sommer Moan; great-grandchildren, John Freidel, Taylor Freidel, Madilynn Cole, Masin McKenna, Brittyn Sitzman, Grayson Cole, Landen Treumer, Cameron Treumer, Haylee Sitzman, Jett Johnson, Aspen Moan, Evelyn Sitzman, Gunner Sitzman, Oaklen Moan, Palmer Fischer, Layklin Fischer, Dalton Quam; siblings, Fred Moan and Sarah Dutra; his four legged, best friend, Stella; and many nieces and nephews.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Ingvald and Eva Moan; son-in-law, John Freidel; granddaughter, Kayla Johnson; siblings, Hazel, Annabelle, Karen, Ingvald, Ellen, and Thomas; half-siblings, Marian, Helen, Irvin, and John.
Please join us in celebrating the life Jim cherished on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home, in Portage, Wisconsin. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m with a service following at 1:00 p.m. Military Honors, provided by Portage Area Veteran’s Honor Guard, will follow the service at the funeral home. Private family inurnment will be at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, in memory of Jim Moan. Sick children held a special place in his heart because he hoped and prayed for them to live a full and healthy life.
