James W Vanidestine January 22, 1944 – December 16, 2018 Share this obituary Send Flowers Sign Guestbook| Send Sympathy Card Jim Vanidestine, 74, of 2913 Minnesota St, Marinette, went peacefully to Heaven on Sunday, December 16th, while surrounded by his loving family at St. Vincent Hospital in Green Bay. Jim was born to Elizabeth “Betty” (Lemieux) and James Clarence Vanidestine on January 22, 1944. He grew up throughout Marinette County and attended Peshtigo High School where he was a track star athlete.
When Jim was 17, he joined the Marine Corps and served our country until injuring his back in a skydiving accident. He returned to Marinette, where he married his wife of 52 years Colette (Edlebeck) Vanidestine and raised his family of four children. Jim had many professions throughout his life.
He served on the Marinette Police department, sold insurance and real estate, was the owner/operator of Edlebeck Construction, Med Alert, and lastly, American Fire and Security. Jim had many passions and hobbies in life which he used to be a blessing to others. He loved woodworking, coaching basketball, traveling, exploring the outdoors, cheering on the Packers, outlaw country music, riding his Harley trike, collecting cookie jars, messing with people, and supporting his family as their biggest fan.
Jim was the Senior Vice Commandant for the United States Marine Corps League, Detachment 1130, Door Peninsula, and served as district Vice Commandant. He was also a member of the military order of the Devil Dogs Winnebago Detachment. Jim is survived by his wife, Colette (Edlebeck) Vanidestine, his children; Dan (Stephanie) Vanidestine, Wendie (Ben Beno) Starzynski, and Sally (Mike) Haines, his siblings; Kathy Krulatz, H. Joseph (Lois) Vanidestine, Elizabeth Hansen, Bonnie Dura, Christine Schiller, Michele Paris, Margie Foley, special sister in law Mary Edlebeck, grandchildren; Damien Jeske, Tia Roberts, Sam (William) Turpin, Jake Jagielski, Brian and Krystle Kuntze, Brette, Kaylee, and Isaac Starzynski, Lucy, Julia, and Max Haines, and his service dog, Willie.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Jay Vanidestine; and his sister Debbie Vanidestine. His kindness, strength, and bravery will be forever remembered. Rest easy Pooh Bear Grandpa “Bug Juice”… Semper FI.
Visitation will be held at Thielen Funeral Home on Sunday January 20th from 4pm to 6pm. A Celebration of Life will be held at 6pm followed by an ice cream social. Thank you to the caring staff at The Harbors in Menominee and the ICU team at Saint Vincent hospital.
If you found any mistakes, or you would like to add/remove to this obituary, please contact us by email: info@obituary.memorial. We never ask money for this.
