John Edward Vande Castle

John Edward Vande Castle, born June 8, 1941, age 76, died unexpectedly on April 30 at St. Agnes Hospital surrounded by his family and loved ones.



The son of Dorothy & Edward Vande Castle, John and his brother James were raised in Menasha by his grandparents Roy & Florence DuCharme. John graduated from Menasha High School in 1960 and went on to serve in the United States Air Force from 1960-1964. He served in Vietnam as part of the Strategic Air Command & 6002d SEG. John connected with many people through his years in the service and continued to share that legacy his entire life. His stories of Okinawa will always be remembered fondly by his family and fellow service members. Not just the stories themselves, but the remarkable way in which he told them – usually resulting in a punchline at the end!



On February 4, 1967, John married the love of his life, Joan Capelle, at St. Louis Church. They were blessed to be married 51 years, and during those years they blessed so many others with their love, friendship and generosity. John was an outstanding father to their two sons, John Carl (JC) and James Jason (JJ). From Eagle Scouts to athletics, from hunting to self-defense, John taught his boys to work hard and play hard in everything they did. He was their hero. So much of him walks around in his sons today – their quick wit, sense of humor, unbelievable work ethic and unshakable values (and he would chime in here about their incredibly dashing good looks!).

John was a hard worker who was deeply involved in the community for over 52 years. In 1967, John started as the manager and then became co-owner of Fond du Lac Mosaic Tile. He was a past President of the Fond du Lac County Home Builders Assoc., Life Director of the Wisconsin Builders Assoc., a past Parish Council President of St. Louis Church and a long-time member of the choir. John served on the Fond du Lac Board of Appeals and was a part of many other community projects. Those who loved him most will miss his big laugh, kind soul and fun-loving heart of gold!



John is survived by his wife, Joan; their two sons, John Carl (Jennifer) and James Jason (Mindy); their six grandchildren, Jennah, Abby, Nate, Aubrey, Max and Jude. He is also survived by his very best friend, William Grupe, along with so many other loving friends and relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy & Edward Vande Castle; his brother James Vande Castle; and his sister-in-law, Sharon Vande Castle. Also preceding him in death are his in-laws, Carl & Ida Capelle; his brother in-law, Captain Gerald Capelle; Gerald’s wife, Arlene; and their son, Jeffery. John was also preceded in death by his best friend's wife, Jeanette Grupe.



In lieu of flowers, please donate to the American Legion Post 75 (Fond du Lac, WI) or the Endowment Fund for the Wisconsin Vietnam Veterans Memorial Project Inc. aka the Highground Memorial park.



Visitation will be on Thursday, May 3rd, 2018 from 3-5 PM at Uecker-Witt Funeral Home, 524 N. Park Ave, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935, followed by a short service at 5:00 PM at the funeral home. Cremation has taken place.