JAMES VANDE SANDE

James A. Vande Sande, age 71, of Neenah passed away on Friday, November 30, 2012 at Theda Clark Medical Center. He was born on March 17, 1941 in Green Bay, Wisconsin, the first son of Robert and Agnes Vande Sande. In 1963 he married Susan L. Reitmeier in Baraboo, Wisconsin, and the marriage was blessed with one son and 49 wonderful years. After high school Jim attained his Bachelors degree from The University of Wisconsin at Madison, and went on to attend Capitol University and the University of Iowa, eventually earning his Masters in Education from the University of Wisconsin at Oshkosh. He started his teaching career in the Science Department at Savastapol High School in Door County while doing research for the University of Wisconsin. Jim and his family moved to Neenah in 1966 where he began teaching science at Neenah High School until his retirement in 1998. Jims forte was biology, but he also left his knowledge with many students in the form of Chemistry and Physics. Jim served for many years on the Town of Neenah Park Board. He put his love of science to good use in his orchard and his water garden pond, and in successfully breeding Abyssinian Cats. Jims work in cat breeding earned he and Susan the distinction of breeding the 3rd best short-haired kitten in the world for The Cat Fancy Association. Their cats have been distributed throughout the world over the last 29 years. Jim loved nature. He loved teaching everyone that would listen. After his retirement, he and Susan did a lot of travelling abroad, and the couple has visited 48 out of our 50 states. Jim will be missed by his friends at Kubiak Deer Camp, and The Cat Fancy Association. Jim is survived by his loving wife, Susan; his son, Scot (Xiao Li Shu) Vande Sande, Cicero, IN; his grandson, Matthew Vande Sande, Cicero, IN; brothers: Don (Jan), De Pere, Bob (Karen), De Pere, Greg (Susan), Oshkosh. A Memorial Service for Jim will be held on Monday, December 3, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. at Neenahs Westgor Funeral Home with Rev. Gena Garton officiating. Friends will be received at the funeral home from 5:00 p.m. until the hour of service. In lieu of flowers, memorial funds are being established for Crohns Disease research, and for The Cat Fancy Association. The family would like to thank their very special friends: The Owen family, the Olmstead family, their neighbors, and The Cat Fancy Association friends for all of your help and your friendship.