James E. Vaske

James E. "Jim" Vaske, 86, of Bancroft, died Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at Kossuth Regional Health Center.

A funeral Mass will be held Saturday, September 20, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Divine Mercy Parish ~ St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Bancroft. Private family graveside services will be held. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 PM Friday at Oakcrest Funeral Services of Bancroft.

James Edward Vaske was born September 9th, 1939, at home in Bancroft, son of Edmund and Gertrude (Fangman) Vaske. He graduated from St. John's Catholic High School and lived his entire life in Bancroft. Growing up you could find him on the family farm working alongside his siblings.

Jim found his soulmate, Marlene Thorland in 1961, and they were married on December 22, 1962. Together, they built a beautiful life where they would have celebrated 63 years of marriage this upcoming December, raising their three children - Jamie, Keith and Kent - on their family farm.

Known for his playful demeanor, Jim's mischievous glances were consistently followed by a warm smile, a finger point or ornery comment. His generous spirit touched everyone he encountered, whether a friend or stranger, as he took genuine pleasure in caring for others always leading with his strong faith. The strong work ethic he demonstrated throughout his life became a legacy, inspiring both his children and grandchildren. He was a devoted grandfather who never missed his grandchildren and great-grandchildren's activities, watching proudly from the sidelines. During family gatherings, he was the beloved patriarch, always with a little one snuggled in his lap, engaged in intense conversation. Jim could often be spotted sharing coffee with friends in town, enjoying baseball games, partaking in a round of golf, or tending to his farm. In his youth, he was an accomplished athlete, particularly excelling in baseball. The passion and talent for baseball that defined Jim's early years' lives on through his sons and grandchildren, who inherited his athletic ability and continued his sporting legacy.

Jim is survived by his wife Marlene; his three children, Jamie (Kent) Elbert, Keith (Denise) Vaske and Kent (Barbara) Vaske; his grandchildren Heather (Cody) Kelly, Sydney (Maison) Hubrig, Austin (Katrina) Vaske, Olivia (Dan) Vaske, Storm Vaske, and Gavin Vaske; his great-grandchildren, Owen and Mazie Kelly, Jameson Fehr-Opheim, Vera and Greta Vaske, Griffin and Juniper Hubrig; along with special grandchildren, Addison Fehr-Opheim, Aidyn Fehr-Opheim, Lane Pruisner and Mason Leib. Jim is also survived by his siblings, Philip (Margaret) Vaske, Marilyn (Ken) Heldorfer, Roger (Eileen) Vaske, Maxine (Pat) Merron, Stephen (Linda) Vaske, Darryl (late Brenda) Vaske, and Dennis Vaske; and many nieces, nephews, and other family members. Proceeding him in death are his parents Gertrude and Edmund; his granddaughter, Jill Fehr; and his siblings Patricia Doerning and Duane Vaske.