James Henry Mereness

James H. Mereness passed away March 21, 2018 the way he wanted to, suddenly and pain free at the age of 93! James was born May 5, 1924 in Kaukauna, son of the late Vernon and Marie (Hanneman) Mereness.  On June 14, 1952 he married the late LaBelle Eisch. 

James served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II from 1942 to 1945 as a Staff Sergeant and spoke often of times overseas. After the war, he worked in the grocery business until he retired. James enjoyed life HIS way and truly loved tending to his own vegetable garden. He cut his lawn and cared for his garden on his own until 2016.  He had a very strong will and did not want to depend on anyone. But he did accept help from his children and grandchildren, along with his wonderful neighbors. James loved talking politics and his mind was sharp as a tack at age 93. He loved his family and always had the biggest smile on his face when he answered the door. One we will always remember. 

James is lovingly survived by his son Jim and his daughter Sallie (Tom) Drier, former daughter-in-law LyAnn Beatty; six grandchildren, Lisa (Steve) Van Domelen, Tara Mereness, Ashlee Mereness, Christopher Mereness, Katie Drier and Ryan Mereness; four great grandchildren, Trent and Grayden Bellile, Mason and Brooklyn VanDomelen; and many other loved ones. He is further preceded in death by his wife LaBelle; brother Russell Mereness; sister Marion Knorr; and daughter-in-law Judy (Ponschock) Mereness. 

A celebration of James’ life will be held at Valley Funeral Home on Sunday, March 25 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM.   

Words of wisdom from our dad: turn the lights off and keep the thermostat set low to minimize paying the utilities and finally, don’t pay for cable TV!   

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