Father John V. Cassidy

Father Cassidy was born March 19, 1926 in Primghar, Iowa, to Vincent and Irene (née McAleer) Cassidy. He was the oldest of four children. He attended elementary school in Primghar and graduated from Primghar High School in 1943. He joined the US Navy Air Corps and proudly served from 1944 to 1946. Father Cassidy attended Iowa State University and Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa, graduating in 1950.

Following graduation, Father Cassidy lived and worked in Minneapolis and in LaCrosse, Wisconsin. He followed the family's interests in the hardware business, and worked for the Crane Company. He had a successful business career for many years, but knew he had a different calling.

He had always wanted to go into the priesthood, and at the age of 42, he had a delayed vocation. He attended Pope John XXIII Seminary in Weston, Massachusetts and was ordained May 3, 1969, at St. Patrick Parish in Onalaska, by the Most Rev. Frederick W. Freking, Bishop of LaCrosse.

He happily served many parishes in Central Wisconsin. His first assignment was Assistant Pastor at St. Mary Parish in Wausau, June 17, 1969. In 1971, he was appointed Administrator of Sacred Heart Parish in De Soto, and St. James Parish in Rising Sun. In 1980, he was appointed Pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Fairview, and Administrator of St. John Parish in Fairchild. In 1985, he was appointed Pastor of Holy Rosary Parish in Lima. He was appointed as Pastor of St. Wenceslaus Parish in Eastman in 1995, where he served until he was granted the status of Senior Priest, on August 1, 2001. At each parish, Fr. Cassidy faithfully served with love and friendship, and in turn, was well-loved by his many parishioners.

Father Cassidy was an avid collector of Midwestern antiques knowing all the wonderful antique shops in the area. He enjoyed classical music and would proudly tell you he was a “card-carrying Democrat” who enjoyed the political process. Father Cassidy found his calling as he lived and served in rural Wisconsin. His little dogs Charlie and Andy were his constant companions for many years, keeping him company in many of his parish rectories. Father Cassidy made the trip to Austin often to visit family and escape the winter weather.

Father Cassidy, is survived by his siblings; Robert (Georgia) Cassidy of Denver, Colorado; Margaret Cassidy Sullivan of Dubuque, Iowa; Barbara Jean Cassidy Olson of Austin, Texas; his cousin, Sister Jeanette Halbach of Chicago, Illinois; and his numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Vincent and Irene Cassidy, brothers-in-law Paul Sullivan and Jerry Olson, cousin Mary Jo Halbach and nephew Joe Sullivan.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated Thursday, March 26, 2015, at 1:30 pm at St. Theresa Catholic Church, Austin, Texas, and in LaCrosse Wisconsin at a date to be announced. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the St. Joseph Priest Fund c/o The Roman Catholic Diocese of LaCrosse, 3710 East Avenue South, PO Box 4004, LaCrosse, Wisconsin, 55601. “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:21