William L. Van Caster
03-21-1943 - 02-18-2020
We are sad to pass on to all of our friends and family that William L. VanCaster, our husband, father and grandfather passed away early this morning (2/18/2020).
While we mourn his passing, we also thank all of our friends and family who have been so supportive. We know many others are also feeling his loss. He touched many lives throughout his years as a social worker, leadership with numerous drum corps, and many friends made while participating in re-enacting.
We will always miss him dearly, but we are also comforted his misery was short. He has left his failed body, and moved on to a better place where we will one day join him. We know he is still with us, looking out for us as he has always done. He will guide us when needed with his patience and understanding.
Mom (Joy VanCaster), Brenda VanCaster and myself were all right at his side when he moved on, so he knows he was loved and not alone. Over the last week we have had many moments of tears and grief, but also many discussions of good memories and laughter. He was able to participate throughout much of it, and at least aware for most.
He had also chosen to donate his body to science, in the hope that any small contribution to research or education may one day help others. There will be a memorial service scheduled in the near future at Holy Cross Episcopal Church in Pensacola, but will be delayed enough to allow for some to make travel arrangements.
Now it is time for us to get some much needed rest, and spend some time together. We will remind ourselves that his favorite song has always been "You'll Never Walk Alone", and we will know that HE is always right beside us. All we need to do is think of him, and he will be there.
Thanks again to everyone, both those who will also miss him, as well as our friends who could feel our pain and tere to support us.
The VanCaster Family
Eva Poole (Gilson)
Dear Brenda and Joy, I am very sorry to hear of Bill's death. You have my deepest sympathy. Even though Bill and I were cousins, we haven't been close--I'm sorry to admit. I last spoke to him when his mother died; you may remember that. I did visit her in her last year--near Mauston, I believe. I was visiting from California where I've lived for 40+ years now.
I've always called Bill...Billy, and we were a bit closer in childhood when our families would gather at holiday times--especially Christmas and Thanksgiving. My grandmother was his great-aunt, sister to Marie Coshun, Billy's grandmother. My clearest memory of Billy is of playing on my gramma's floor at Robinson's Greenhouses where Billy's gramma Marie worked with her sister, Eva, and brother-in-law, Ben Robinson; Billy and I would be sitting on the carpet while the big people talked after dinner. We would be surrounded by building blocks, leggos, or Mr. Potato Head. He was much better at all of those than I was! I remember him as a very blond, handsome, sweet and sort of shy little boy. I know he maintained that sweetness into adulthood, a gentle kindness. I remember once talking to him quite a long time after our high school graduation; he talked about his work as a counselor in Racine, at a school I believe. I'm sure his sensitive nature helped him there, in what sounded like a very difficult job.
Please do accept my hopes that his strong spirit remains a living love in your memories. Eva Oh yes, I remember one last little thing: Billy learned to tie his own shoes long before I figured that out!
Kay Anderson (Schwarze)
Bill will be missed by our family so very much. He will be remembered by that low booming voice, laugh, friendship, humor. He was a very good & loving husband, & father & fit well in our family.He was a wonderful son-in-law & always there to help with our parents. In fact he would help anyone in need of help
We will miss you Bill
Richard Christensen
Sorry to hear of Billy's passing. We were in school together from grade school on, we were in DeMolay together, our fathers both worked in Chassy Engineering at AMC and as families we saw each other often as our parents got together. As happens with most people, our lives separated after 1961 as were off to different schools, different cities and different careers. But did see each other at class gatherings and sent birthday greetings on this class website. A lot of great memories to think about tonight. My condolences to his family..........Chris Christensen.