Obituary for Cletus P. "Smitty" Van de Casteele
Born on April 15, 1927 in Milwaukee, WI and returned to our Heavenly Father on May 16, 2023 at the age of 96.
Cherished dad of Linda (David) Okruhlica, Jo Anne Van de Casteele, Mary (Richard Hebda), David (Carol) Van de Casteele, Beth (John) Stewart and James Van de Casteele. Loving grandpa to Maranda (Ryan), Bonnie (Mitch), Craig, Paul, Michael (Cathy), Jennifer (Garrett), Patti (Ron), Angela, Joel (Kim), Tucker, Mitchell, and Kallie. Great-grandfather to 18 and Great-great-grandfather to four. Also loved by many other relatives.
Preceded in death by his wife, Lori 19 years ago after 54 years of marriage, brother Robert, and sister-in-law Amber.
He appreciated the assistance he received from Ellen's Home in Germantown these past five years and Horizon Hospice this past year.
Smitty was a hard worker from the time he was a preteen to help his family. He enlisted in the Army during WWII and then went to Europe as part of Special Services, as the war just ended. Upon returning he completed his apprenticeship, met, fell in love with Loretta Zobrak, and married her. Blessed with six children, he was pleased and proud of his family. That took many forms including sharing of faith, camping, catholic education, work ethic and generosity. He worked at General Electric Medical Systems in Milwaukee for 38 years progressing from tool designer to Manager of Tool Engineering.
Smitty and Lori's retirement included wintering in Pharr, TX for 25 years. Pursuing his love of creating, paintings, stained glass, woodworking, along with square dancing, water volleyball and socializing in a warmer climate filled his days. This creativity and hard work resulted in designs and building four houses for his family with many side projects for his children as they became home owners.
In lieu of flowers, contributions to St. Vincent de Paul Society are appreciated as that is his charity of choice. They helped his family during his early years after his father's death.
Visitation at St. James Catholic Church, W220 N6588 Town Line Road, Menomonee Falls, WI 53051 on Wednesday, May 24th from 10 am to 11 am. Funeral Mass 11 am.
Cherished dad of Linda (David) Okruhlica, Jo Anne Van de Casteele, Mary (Richard Hebda), David (Carol) Van de Casteele, Beth (John) Stewart and James Van de Casteele. Loving grandpa to Maranda (Ryan), Bonnie (Mitch), Craig, Paul, Michael (Cathy), Jennifer (Garrett), Patti (Ron), Angela, Joel (Kim), Tucker, Mitchell, and Kallie. Great-grandfather to 18 and Great-great-grandfather to four. Also loved by many other relatives.
Preceded in death by his wife, Lori 19 years ago after 54 years of marriage, brother Robert, and sister-in-law Amber.
He appreciated the assistance he received from Ellen's Home in Germantown these past five years and Horizon Hospice this past year.
Smitty was a hard worker from the time he was a preteen to help his family. He enlisted in the Army during WWII and then went to Europe as part of Special Services, as the war just ended. Upon returning he completed his apprenticeship, met, fell in love with Loretta Zobrak, and married her. Blessed with six children, he was pleased and proud of his family. That took many forms including sharing of faith, camping, catholic education, work ethic and generosity. He worked at General Electric Medical Systems in Milwaukee for 38 years progressing from tool designer to Manager of Tool Engineering.
Smitty and Lori's retirement included wintering in Pharr, TX for 25 years. Pursuing his love of creating, paintings, stained glass, woodworking, along with square dancing, water volleyball and socializing in a warmer climate filled his days. This creativity and hard work resulted in designs and building four houses for his family with many side projects for his children as they became home owners.
In lieu of flowers, contributions to St. Vincent de Paul Society are appreciated as that is his charity of choice. They helped his family during his early years after his father's death.
Visitation at St. James Catholic Church, W220 N6588 Town Line Road, Menomonee Falls, WI 53051 on Wednesday, May 24th from 10 am to 11 am. Funeral Mass 11 am.