James J. Van Vreede, Kaukauna, age 93, died Tuesday, May 17, 2022 at St. Elizabeth Hospital.  He was born in Freedom on June 30, 1928 to the late Theodore and Katherine (Dempsey) Van Vreede.  Jim married Esther Green at St. Nicholas Parish on September 6, 1949.  She preceded him in death on December 25, 2005.

Jim had many interests, as he enjoyed woodworking, golfing, and fishing. He will be remembered as doing anything he can to help his family, whether it was car repairs, siding a house, remodeling a cottage, or driving tractor. He enjoyed playing cards, especially cribbage and sheephead. Jim was an active volunteer, ushering at St. Mary's and helping at Bingo.  Following his retirement from Gustman's, he worked at the Piggly Wiggly into his 80's.   Jim was a proud grandpa, and loved attending games and school events for his grandchildren.

Jim is survived by his children: Dale (Marcia) Van Vreede, Karen (Jerry) Verhagen, Jean (Dave) Gerhartz, Connie (Jerry) Evers, and Leann Paulos; his 14 grandchildren: Krista (Derrek) Johnson, Jill (Derek) Borchers, Julie (John) Ganfield, Tim (Sarah) Verhagen, Jeff (Erin) Verhagen, Greg Verhagen, Melissa Gerhartz (special friend Gary), Melinda (Scott) Lachapell, Craig Evers (special friend Cindy), Tracey (Bryan) Plamann, Keith (Emily) Evers, Kyle (Katie) Evers, Brian (Taylor) Paulos, and Eric Paulos. He is further survived by 31 great grandchildren; his brother Tom Van Vreede; two siblings-in-law, Bud Bowers and Myrt Van Vreede; and special friend, Helen Diedrick.  He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

In addition to his parents, and his wife of 56 years, Esther, James is preceded in death by his son-in-law, Mark Paulos; his brothers:  Jerome and Mark (Carol) Van Vreede; sisters:  Anita (John) Hammill, Lucille (Bill) Moser, Phyllis (Larry) Mauthe, Marion Hurley, Helen (Don) John, and Maggie (Gordon) Lamers. He is further preceded by his father- and mother-in-law, John and Dora Green, along with other members of Esther's family.

isitation will be held Saturday, May 21, 2022 at ST. KATHARINE DREXEL PARISH – ST. MARY CHURCH  (119 W. 7 ^th Street, Kaukauna) beginning at 9:00 a.m. until time of Mass at 11:00 a.m.   The Rev. Msgr. James Vanden Hogen will officiate.  Committal St. Mary Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, a memorial is being established.