James De Long
James Leland De Long, age 71, of Trempealeau, WI, formerly of Stoddard, WI, passed away Tuesday, April 12, 2016 at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse, WI. A Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Holmen, WI Monday, April 18, with Father John Parr officiating. Following Jim’s wishes, he has been cremated and the burial will take place at a later date at Gethsemane Cemetery in Lansing.
Jim was born in Allamakee County July 20, 1944 to Leland and Theadora (Ferring) De Long. He was joined in marriage to Linda Kastroll May 25, 1968 at Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield, CA.
Jim served his country in the U.S. Air Force, he was stationed at Wright Patterson AFB in Ohio, in the Philippines, and at Travis AFB in California during the Vietnam War. His working career was varied and always depended on his knowledge and mechanical ability to solve problems. He was employed as a mechanic for a farm implement dealer, working on all machinery, but specializing in baler repair. International was his favorite brand.
Secondly, he was a jack of all trades working for the village of Stoddard, WI; his duties included maintenance, snow removal, garbage collection, and the wastewater treatment facility. Finally, he was employed at City Brewery, working at their wastewater treatment plant. Due to a methane gas explosion at work, he retired from the brewery.
Jim was a member of the Tri-State Ford Car Club, the Stoddard Lions Club, the Chaseburg Rod & Gun Club, and he also served as a volunteer fireman and first responder for the village of Stoddard. Jim enjoyed the hunting and fishing opportunities the Coulee Region affords. He was an avid Green Bay Packer fan and he enjoyed watching NASCAR races. He really liked anything sports, especially the Badgers.
He would be remembered as someone that would always help someone out. He was a real handyman, with his trusty duct tape always nearby. Above all else, Jim’s real passion was spending time with his family.
James is survived by his wife, Linda; his sons, James (Kristin) De Long, Jr. of St. Louis Park, MN and Jerry (Becky) De Long of Appleton, WI; his grandchildren, Madison Rose De Long, Michael John James De Long and Berkley Sophia De Long, all of Appleton, WI; his brother, John Paul (Diane) De Long of Lansing; his nephew, John Paul De Long, Jr. of La Crosse, WI; special friends Bonnie and Reid Ulrich of Fort Atkinson, WI; and his new puppy, Sophie.
James was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Kevin Carl De Long; and his brothers, Jerald Steven De Long and Jan Joseph De Long.
Dickinson Family Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Please visit www.dickinsonfuneralhomes.com to share online condolences and for more information.
