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Ciske, James Edward

James Edward Ciske, Appleton, age 78, was lifted into the realm of our Heavenly Father after a recent diagnosis with brain cancer on Sunday, October 9, 2011, at his home surrounded by his loving family. Jim came to this earthly world, into the loving arms of his parents, the late John and Frieda (Brueggemann) Ciske on May 28, 1933. It was within this family that he, his sister, and brother were instilled with a strong faith and love of God, family, country and community. Jim met the love of his life, his best friend, and companion, Shirley Horn at the age of 5 years. Growing up as children on the south side of Appleton, their friendship turned to love and they were married on April 11, 1953 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Appleton. Jim proudly served his country in the U. S. Army, stationed in Germany from 1953-55. When he returned he worked at Kimberly Clark’s Lakeview Mill for 14 years. During this time he played on many ball teams in various leagues through the mill, the city, and church. After his playing days, he coached Little League Baseball and also coached basketball. As the then new St. Bernadette Parish formed, he became a charter member and was asked to become the maintenance man. He accepted and held that position for 33 years. He was very active at St. Bernadette serving on the Men’s Altar Society, Secretary and Treasurer, a Lector, Usher, member of the St. Bernadette Bowling team, and St. Bernadette Gardens. Jim loved the great outdoors, a friendly game of sheepshead, having a good cigar, and watching his grandchildren play sports. He was truly the master of the quick “one liners.” But most of all, Jim loved spending time with his family, especially Saturday morning breakfast at he and Shirley’s home – a tradition that goes back many years. Jim was blessed with 10 children, 18 grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren: John (Michele) Ciske, Appleton, and their children, Mackenzie, Johanna (Stan), and their son Calvin Ciske; Mary (Dick) Ver Voort, Kaukauna, and their children, Tim (Jamie Dix) Ver Voort and Katie (Matthew) Lephart, and their children Ella, Amelia, and Hannah; Pete (Jody) Ciske, Appleton, and their son Jeremy Ciske; Jim (Mary) Ciske, Appleton, and their children Sarah and Ben Ciske; Susan (Kevin) Schommer, Wrightstown, and their children, Donell Schommer, Bryan (Melinda) Schommer, and Paula (Liam) Farrell; Fred (Andrea) Ciske, Dexter, MI; Jane (John) Erickson, Waupaca, and their sons Jordan and Jared Erickson; Sam (Karen) Ciske, Little Chute, and their children Mitchell, Joshua, and Emma Ciske; David (Melissa) Ciske, Neenah; and Paul (Darlene) Ciske, Neenah, and their sons Sean and Alex Ciske. His sister, Barbara (Richard) Lamers, Darboy; and 3 sisters-in-law: Lucille Davidson, Menasha, Sharon (Rich) Schierl, Menasha, and Lorrie Ciske, Appleton. Jim is further survived by many wonderful nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Ronald, grandson Nathaniel, father-in-law and mother-in-law Frederick “Fritz” and Emma Horn; 3 brothers-in-law: Norman “Tuffy” (Marion) Horn, Norbert “Bud” (Florence) Horn, and Charles Davidson. A Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated at 11:30 AM on Thursday, October 13, at St. Bernadette Catholic Church, 2331 Lourdes Dr., with Father Donald Zuleger officiating. Friends visited at the church on Wednesday from 4 – 7:30 PM, with a Parish Prayer Service at 7:30, and on Thursday from 10 AM until the time of service. Interment will take place at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Appleton. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at St. Paul Hospice Service, especially to Ellen, Paul, Karen, Tina, and the 2 Julies, for the kindness, concern, and compassionate care shown to Jim.
A message from Jim: All things are possible with faith in God. Do not be discouraged. Trust in God and love one another. Online condolences can be left at btlfuneral.com
Brettschneider-Trettin-Lederer, 606 N. Oneida St. Appleton 920-733-7383
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