James R. Liebaert

James Raymond Liebaert, age 77, longtime Superior resident passed away on Good Friday April 18th, 2025, after a long battle with cancer, surrounded by his family. He was born on July 18, 1947, the son of Raymond and Leone (Wies) Liebaert in Superior, WI.

He graduated from Central High School in 1965 and went on to earn a bachelor's degree in business administration at the University of Wisconsin Superior. He served his country as a member of the Wisc. Army National Guard. His education served him well as he sold real estate for many years and was a former owner/operator of Landmark Lanes in Superior. He also owned Tower Components & Supply, Lieb's Place, City Limits Steakhouse, and appraised residential properties for 17 years. He had been the President of Superior Douglas County Realtors Assoc. and was a lifelong member of the Superior Belgian Club.

He was a member of the 1959 Little League team that won the Wisconsin State title and was inducted to the Superior Sports Hall of Fame. He played high school hockey for the Spartans. From 1974-1976 he coached the Bantam Flyers to 2 State Championships, 2 Regional Championships and 2 appearances in the National Bantam tournaments, with a 3rd and 4th place finish. He showed more dedication to Superior and Wisconsin sports by becoming the SAHA President and WAHA Director. He also loved pitching adult men's fastpitch softball, retiring at 50 years old. He went on to coach a Little League All-Star team to a Wisconsin State Championship in 1987.

Jim loved watching sports and was a big Wisconsin fan of the Packers, Badgers and Brewers, along with the UMD Bulldogs. He enjoyed going to the cabin on Lake Nebagamon and wintering in either Florida, Texas or Arizona, with his favorite being Green Valley, AZ. Jim especially loved spending time with his grandchildren and attending all of their sporting events.

Jim is survived by his children: Kate (Chris Sanders) Stariha of Superior and Craig (Jennifer) Liebaert of Rosemount, MN; grandchildren: Makenzie and Madysen Stariha, Carson, Colby, Rigley and Ainsley Liebaert; siblings: Paulette Gondek, Ron Liebaert, Steve (Judy) Liebaert, Roger (Patty) Liebaert, Raeann (Gary) Trombly, Stacy Liebaert, nieces, nephew and significant other, Judy Bard.

He is preceded in death by his parents Raymond and Leone Liebaert, brother Rick Liebaert, nephew Chad Liebaert and granddaughter Addison Liebaert.

Jim will be deeply missed by all that he knew. Though he never sought recognition, Jim touched countless lives through playing or coaching sports and friendships. If you met Jim once, you knew him forever. He was everyone's friend and would gladly tell you about all the people or things he knew.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the nursing staff at Solvay Hospice House and Twin Ports Health Services for their support and care over the past several months.

Visitation will begin at 11:00 AM on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at Lenroot-Maetzold Funeral Home, 1209 E. 5th St. Superior, WI, and will continue until the Memorial Service at 1:00 PM with Rev. Fr. Andrew Ricci officiating. Following the service all who knew and loved Jim are welcome to attend a celebration of Jim's life from 2:00-5:00 PM at the Belgian Club, 3931 E 2nd St., Superior.

The family asks to wear any Packers, Badgers or Brewers’ attire in honor of Jim’s lifelong support of his Wisconsin teams.
In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations that will be used to support SAHA and SYO.

“You Know I May Not Be Around Tomorrow But Know I Will Always Be With You.” -Jim Liebaert

To leave a condolence or sign the guestbook, please visit www.lenroot-maetzold.com.