"Jim will be sorely missed by Mari Ann and I. We will especially miss his pleasant and positive demeanor. He was a great friend who I have only had the opportunity of knowing since the early seventies. I will never forget the 100 mile trip to Elkhart lake on our scooters, just a few years ago. It was tiring, and I was amazed at how well he did on the trek!!I will miss him very much indeed. He will be missed very much. A prayer will be said for Jim. And our thanks will be expressed for having had Jim in our lives. "
In loving memory of
James Leroy Deppiesse
November 11, 1930 - December 3, 2013
James Deppiesse, age 83 years of Belgium, died Tuesday, December 3, 2013 at Lawlis Family Hospice in Mequon. He was born November 11, 1930 in Plymouth, son of the late Harry and Mildred Phillips Deppiesse. On October 15, 1955, he married Elizabeth Jensterle at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Port Washington. Jim worked for many years as the Superintendent of Water and Wastewater for the Village of Belgium and later as Superintendent of the warehouse at Energenecs in Cedarburg. Jim enjoyed woodworking and working outdoors. He is survived by his wife Elizabeth, his six children Daniel (Pamela) of Fredonia, Patrick of Adell, Thomas of Stevens Point, Michael (Pamela) of Cedar Grove, Beth (Michael) Buffoni of Mequon and David (Michelle) of Cedar Grove, 9 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild, his brother Donald (Myra) Deppiesse of Random Lake and 4 sisters Dorothy (Orville) Wells of Lakewood, JoAnne (Richard) Mueller of Random Lake, Cecelia (Dennis) Jandre of Kewaskum and Judy (Ray) Gutzke of Red Granite. He was preceded in death by his parents and 1 granddaughter. Funeral Sunday eve. Dec. 8, 6:30 PM at the Eernisse Funeral Home, 171 N. Royal Ave., Belgium, with Father Jim Ernster presiding. Visitation at the funeral home Sunday from 4-6:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the American Heart Association appreciated. The family would like to extend special thanks to Ann and Sarah from Mueller Therapy.
Tributes
"Dear Betty & Family: I dislike sending my sympathy to you all in this manner but it is my only option. Virgie & Leo and I planned on coming up today for the services for Jim but the weather was just too bad; still snowing here in southern Wisconsin like it has been for 24 hours. I was deeply saddened to learn Jim has passed away, bless his heart and may he rest in peace; I am imagining in my heart that Hartzell greeted his dear cousin with open arms. Keeping you all in thought and prayer at this very sad time and fondly remembering happier times together. With love, Virginia"
"Betty, Condolences to you and your family. "
"Tom "the wine guy", sorry for your loss. I'm thinking of you and your family during these difficult times. "
"As a friend and professional associate of Jim's for many decades, I was fortunate to know the deeper side of his quiet personality. Beyond the obvious water/wastewater knowledge he possessed, he was a caring and giving man. Always picking up the shovel - so to speak - and always in the best of attitude for the many difficult tasks before him. I recall one of my visits to Belgium water utility (where Jim was superintendent) where I came upon a water main break repair - in 30 degree below weather. Jim was not only supervising the work but also getting into the excavation (with water all about) and helping make the repair. This was typical of Jim...be it a flooded lift station or a failed water valve - Jim always led the way to the solution with tools in hand. And, he became aware of "Water For People"- an American Water Works Association benevolent group - project in Guatemala. And - through his relationships with a Fredonia, WI native Catholic nun who "operated" a mission in Guatemala - helped establish one of the first active water projects in Water for People International. Water For People has grown to 10's of thousands of water professionals throughout the world. After helping to locate the Guatemala project, he volunteered to visit the project site and in 1992 - with Richard Hope, P.E. of AECOM - found an abandoned water supply project where he was able to coax a belt-started German Diesel Engine for a water supply project into operating and pumping water, again! As Richard Hope related to me.....during the trip, the children became enamored with Jim and forced him to get up upon a horse to ford some of the flooded roads at the time. He reluctantly did so but sheepishly told me that he felt like the Good Lord Himself in the ride with the children at his side. After retiring from the Village of Belgium water/wastewater utility, Jim elected to work - part time - for Energenecs of Cedarburg. While there, he became a magician of sorts - jack of all trades - able to build control panels, repair pumps, and conduct building repairs...all within a normal working day. And, all with his wry sense of humor and with a grin which we all came to love. Jim has given each of us who had been in his presence a sense of perspective...he could party with the best and could reflect upon life's struggles as would the best of the clergy. We shall all miss him dearly. Love you, Jim! And, miss you so much. Don Voigt - friend and associate for many years. "
"During my tenure at the Village of Belgium as Village Clerk-Treasurer, I worked with Jim for many years. He was a very fine man who really cared about the Village and water quality. I have fond memories of how George Brabender and Jim worked together to serve the village. "
"I have wonderful memories of growing up next door to the Deppiesse Family. There was never a time that Jim was idle with a project always in process. Betty and Jim always made us feel welcome in their home and I have many good memories of time spent with the Family. Rest in peace Jim, you've earned your everlasting reward."