James Raymond VandeCastle

Age 69, of Fremont, passed away Tuesday, February 14, 2012 at home with his loving family by his side. Jim was born on December 7, 1942 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. He married Sharon Ann Holdren on June 16, 1962. He graduated from UW-Oshkosh in 1967 with a degree in education. He spent his first year teaching in Green Bay, and the next 33 years at Gerrits Jr. High School in Kimberly, as a teacher and later in administration. He served two terms on the Weyauwega-Fremont School Board his last as President. His entire educational career was focused on the students and what was best for them. He enjoyed conducting DNR Hunters Safety and fly-tying classes for students. Survivors include his devoted and loving wife, Sharon. Daughters: Kerry (Joe) Dereszynski, Kelly (Michael) Kneisler. Sons: Mark (Kathy) VandeCastle, Michael (Dawn) VandeCastle and Matthew (Melisa) VandeCastle. Grandchildren include: Emily and Eric Kneisler, Anthony, Aaron and Alec VandeCastle, and Mollie and Thomas Dereszynski. Further survived by his brother, John (Joan) VandeCastle, and their sons John and James and their families. He was preceded in death by his parents and numerous aunts and uncles. Since 1976, Jim and Sharon have been active members of Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Weyauwega. Jim was a CCD teacher, Parish Council President, member of the Board of Religious Education, communion distributor and an active member of the Knights of Columbus. Jim's hobbies included: hunting, fishing, golf, family vacations and shooting sports, especially cowboy action shooting. He also enjoyed raising and training Labrador Retrievers for 16 years with his family. The Memorial Mass for James will be held on Friday, February 17, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at Ss. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Weyauwega (608 E. Main St.) with Fr. Brian Belongia officiating. A visitation for James will be held on Thursday, February 16, 2012 from 4-7 p.m. AT THE CHURCH and on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the mass. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established in Jim's name. The family would like to thank Dr. Phillips, Daisy and the entire oncology team at Riverside Medical Center for their compassionate care.