James "Jim" DeSchepper

January 11, 1950 — June 15, 2025

James “Jim” DeSchepper, age 75, of Appleton, Wisconsin, entered eternal life on June 15, 2025.  Born on January 11, 1950, in Marshall, Minnesota, he was the beloved son of Lawrence and Doris (LeBeau) DeSchepper.

Jim was a proud graduate of Lincoln High School in Bloomington, Minnesota, and Southwest Minnesota State University, where he earned a degree in Communications with a minor in Marketing.  He dedicated 45 years to the broadcasting industry, serving in markets including Green Bay, Atlanta, Richmond, Roanoke, Sioux City, and Madison.  His leadership roles as Vice President and General Manager of several network television stations were marked by integrity, vision, and mentorship.  Jim capped his professional journey as Regional Manager for the Relevant Radio Network, where his faith and communication gifts converged in meaningful service.

Jim was devoted first and foremost to his love of Jesus, his Savior.  His deep Catholic faith flowed from that love and shaped how he lived each day.  A long-standing member of the Knights of Columbus, he served as Grand Knight in councils in Sauk City and Combined Locks.  He was also a committed member of the 4th Degree Assembly 1199, holding positions as Faithful Scribe and Faithful Outer Sentinel.  Jim found deep purpose in serving in the Knights’ Honor Guard, representing his Church and values at countless community and religious events, especially those that celebrated and paid tribute to veterans through Old Glory Honor Flights.

Jim treasured his family above all else.  He is survived by his devoted wife of 41 years, Margaret “Peg” (Mauthe) DeSchepper; their cherished daughters, Alese (Darin) and Joanna “love you Daddy”; and their adored grandchildren, Brady, Tatum, Natalie, and Vivienne, who lovingly called him “Poppy.”  He also leaves behind his sisters Mary Jo (Tom) Allison, Laurie (John) Wragg, and Kris Johanson (and her late husband, Kai); along with many beloved nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his father and mother.

Jim was known for his boundless positivity and endless supply of corny jokes—often delivered on homemade cards complete with quirky humor.  It was a well-worn routine:  Peg would roll her eyes and say, “That’s not funny,” to which Jim would always reply with a grin, “Kinda funny.”  He brought laughter, warmth, and lighthearted joy to every room he entered, endearing himself to friends, colleagues, and family alike.

Jim and Margaret enjoyed a life of travel, exploring the country and much - though never enough- of our wide world, both on their own and with cherished family and friends. Together they loved playing pickleball, where the game itself was secondary to the lasting friendships formed on the court.  He enjoyed cards and board games, bringing laughter and friendly competition with young and old alike.  He also had a passion for cycling, participating in long-distance charity rides across the Midwest.  Among his favorites was RAGBRAI, the famed bicycle ride across Iowa, where his enthusiasm, good humor, and perseverance always shone.

Jim lived a life rooted in love, guided by faith, and filled with laughter. His legacy of kindness, dedication, and humor will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know him.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 19, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Verkuilen-Van Deurzen Family Funeral Home, 2401 Fieldcrest Dr, Kaukauna, Wisconsin. Additional visitation will take place on Friday, June 20, 2025, beginning at 9:30 a.m. at St. Paul Catholic Church, 410 Wallace Street, Combined Locks, Wisconsin, until the time of the Mass of Resurrection at 11:00 a.m. A luncheon will follow at 12:00 p.m., and interment will take place in Holy Name Catholic Cemetery, Kimberly, Wisconsin.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to Old Glory Honor Flight in Jim’s memory.