Cornelius "Casey" Schaalma

Cornelius was born on March 10, 1919, in the town of Mackford, Green Lake County, a son of Jacob and Minnie (Jansma) Schaalma. Casey served in the Army during the World War II, 90th Division, 359th Infantry, Company I and received the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star. On April 11, 1947, he married Gladys Jane Hopp at the First Reformed Church in Waupun. Casey was a member of the First Reformed Church, of Waupun where he worked as a custodian for 25 years and served as a deacon. He was part owner of Ver Hage Implement & Sales for a number of years and later worked at National Rivet. After retirement, he enjoyed playing cards and visiting with friends and family. He encouraged and supported all grandchildren and great-grandchildren to achieve a great education. Casey will be remembered for his kind heartedness, generosity and patience.

Casey is survived by three children Carol (William) Eichstadt; Ronald (Diane) Schaalma; and Patricia (Mark) Mueller, all of Waupun; Five grandchildren Chad (Emily) Eichstadt of Thorp; Pamelyn (Chad) Garcia of Waupun; Jason (Lynelle) Schaalma of West Linn, Ore.; Paige Mueller and Makenna Mueller, both of Waupun; Four great-grandchildren Sidney Rose Eichstadt, Riley Elizabeth Eichstadt, Nathan William Garcia and Van Schaalma. He is further survived by one sister Wilma (Keith) Zellmer of Wautoma; a brother-in-law Elmer (Annice) Hopp of Waupun; and sister-in-law Millie Armga of Waupun; nieces nephews other relatives and friends.

Casey was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, his parents, three brothers Pete, Albert and Theodore, a sister Tena Westra and granddaughter Susan Eichstadt.

A celebration of Casey's life will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday at First Reformed Church, 422 W. Franklin St., the Rev. Bob James officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Mound Cemetery.

Casey's family will receive relatives and friends on Wednesday, from 5 to 7 p.m. at First Reformed Church and on Thursday at church from 10 a.m. until the time of service.

A memorial fund has been established in Cornelius' name.