Joe McCasland

  Joe McCasland, age 73, of Calmar, IA, died on Thursday, December 31, 2015, at the Ossian Senior Hospice in Ossian, IA.

     Joseph Wade “Joe” McCasland was born on July 30, 1942, the son of Walter “Hugh” and Mary (Wickett) McCasland in Osceola, IA.  Joe graduated from Southeast Warren Community School District in 1961.  He attended Iowa State University where he graduated in 1964 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture Education.  He continued with his education and received his Master’s Degree in 1970 from Iowa State University.  Joe was united in marriage to Connie Burson on June 23, 1962 at the Milo United Methodist Church in Milo, IA.  Joe taught Vo-Ag at Elk Horn-Kimballton Schools for six years and then sold feed for one year at West Side Farm Supply in Tipton.  In August 1971, Joe started teaching Vo-Ag at South Winneshiek Community School District, retiring in May 1999.  After his retirement from teaching, Joe started a second career as an appraiser for Northeast Iowa Realty and drove school bus for South Winneshiek Community School District.  Joe also served the City of Calmar by serving two terms as Mayor as well as on the City Council for a total of twenty years. Joe was instrumental in helping to start the Little League Baseball program and building the City Swimming Pool in Calmar.  He also served as a Den Mother for his sons, Cub Scout group.  Joe was an active member of the Calmar Lions and often participated in parades throughout Northeast Iowa during the summer operating the “Lions Train”. Joe’s involvement in the Calmar United Methodist Church was always important to him.  He served as treasurer and trustee and was considered the “Pizza Man”. Joe served many years as the Swine Superintendent for the Winneshiek County Fair.  He enjoyed gambling and won a trip to the Bahamas playing Black Jack. Joe enjoyed hunting, fishing and mushroom hunting with his family; teaching his children all his secrets. 

     Joe is survived by his wife: Connie McCasland, Calmar, IA.  Three children: Tracy (Mike) O’Brien, Venice, FL; Doug (Amy) McCasland, St. Marys, IA; and Barrett “Bear” (Nicole) McCasland, Decorah, IA.  Seven grandchildren: Quinton, Devon and Jordan O’Brien; Shelby and Sydney McCasland; Luke and Larra McCasland.  Two siblings: John (Lynn) McCasland, Webster, WI and Evelyn (Bernie) Lewiston, Odgen, IA.  One sister-in-law: Lori McCasland, Slater, IA. Close cousin: Marty (Kay) Middleswart, Indianola, IA. Two brothers-in-laws: Ron (Carol) Burson, Indianola, IA, and Tom (Marilyn) Brommel, St. Marys, IA, along with many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. 

     Joe was preceded in death by his parents: Walter “Hugh” and Mary (Wickett) McCasland.  One brother: James McCasland.  Two sister-in-laws and one brother-in-law: Shirley Brommel, Colleen Lathram and Bill Burson.  His father-in-law and mother-in-law: George and Mable Burson.