James Bach

James Bach, age 81, of Savage, MN, passed away on August 14, 2026. A Celebration of Jim’s Life will take place at a later date. He will be laid to rest at Cemetery of the Pines in Boulder Junction, WI.

Jim was born in Milwaukee, WI, to Rudolph and Leona (Eck) Bach, and grew up in Hazelhurst with his siblings. Jim lived an active life and was captain of Minocqua High School wrestling and football teams. He also was an excellent water skier and competed with the Min-Aqua Bats Water Ski Show.

Shortly after their high school graduation, Jim married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Valla, at the age of 20. He then was deployed for the Army, where he served his country honorably before returning to his family. They moved to Chaska, MN, and eventually Prior Lake and Savage, MN. Together, they were blessed with two daughters, Lisa and Sarah.

Jim was an avid outdoorsman and spent much of his time hunting, fishing, and camping with family and friends. He was a big fan of NASCAR and watching football (mostly the Vikings but supported his home state Packers on occasion!).

Most importantly, Jim and Valla loved their grandchildren and great-grandchild dearly.

Jim is loved and will be missed by his wife of 60 years, Valla; two daughters, Lisa (Dwight) Bergstrom and Sarah LaPlant (Jonathan Dorow); grandchildren, Alexander Bach, Bird Bergstrom-Bach, Quintin Warwick (Siri Anderson), Ava LaPlant and Sophia LaPlant (and father, Dan LaPlant); great-grandson, Aydan Warwick; in-laws, Lida and Greg Watkins; and many nieces, nephews, family, friends, and pets.

He is preceded in death by parents, Rudy and Leona Bach; many siblings; and favorite hunting buddies, Kenny, Scott, and Victor Holubiw.

Condolences and Memorials for Jim’s family may be addressed to Lisa Bergstrom at 2165 Heritage Dr, Shakopee, MN 55379.