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Wayne Van Boven Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Wayne Van Boven
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Andrea
April 2, 2025
Happy Heavenly Birthday Dad. I love you.
Andrea
March 4, 2025
I miss you Dad. So very much.
Gerald (Jerry) Condon
March 1, 2025
Thinking of you, Uncle Wayne.
Susan
April 2, 2024
Happy Birthday! Missing you! ~Susan
Andrea
March 1, 2024
Missing you Dad. Everyday. I love you.
Andrea
March 1, 2023
Happy Heavenly Birthday Dad. I miss you.
Andrea
April 1, 2022
Happy Heavenly Birthday Dad. We miss you so much.
Andrea
March 6, 2022
Watch over them. Love you Dad.
A
March 5, 2022
Missing you Dad. Everyday.
Andrea Paull
June 20, 2021
Happy Father’s Day Dad. Love and miss you so very much!
April 1, 2021
Happy Heavenly Birthday Dad. I miss you.
March 4, 2021
Miss you Dad. There’s not a day that goes by that you’re not thought of and missed. Love you so much. Please watch over all of us.
November 11, 2020
Thank you Dad
August 27, 2020
I miss you Dad.
June 20, 2020
Happy Fathers Day Dad. Miss you everyday. I love you. ❤
April 1, 2020
Happy Birthday in Heaven Dad. We love you.
March 4, 2020
Missing you everyday. Love you Dad so very much.
March 4, 2020
Miss you everyday. Love you Dad so much.
July 17, 2019
Missing you Dad.
June 15, 2019
Happy Fathers Dad. I miss you so very much. Thank you for being the best dad anyone could ever have. I love you.
Happy Birthday Dad. We love and miss you so much.
April 2, 2019
March 4, 2019
12 years Dad. Missing you always.
Your Great Grandchildren.
December 10, 2018
October 15, 2018
Wish I could hear your voice again. Missing you.
August 20, 2018
Sure missing you Dad. Always.
June 9, 2018
Miss you so much Dad. I wish I could talk with you. I love you.
April 2, 2018
Happy Birthday Dad. I love you.
March 5, 2018
Miss you Dad.
You have 4 great grandchildren Dad. Please watch over them. We miss and love you.
March 3, 2018
December 24, 2017
Merry Christmas Dad. I miss you and love you so much.
November 23, 2017
Happy Thanksgiving Dad. Missing you.
October 15, 2017
Miss you so much Dad.
Two beautiful Great Grandchildren and one on the way Dad. Love you.
June 19, 2017
June 18, 2017
Happy Father's Day Dad. Miss you and love you so much.
April 16, 2017
Happy Easter Dad. Love you so much.
April 2, 2017
Thinking of you Dad- we miss you.
April 2, 2017
Happy Birthday Dad. Miss you everyday. I love you.
March 5, 2017
I love you Dad.
Your Great Grandchildren.
October 31, 2016
October 31, 2016
Remembering visiting you on Halloween and you would trick or treat with the kids down your block. Miss you Dad.
June 17, 2016
April 2, 2016
Happy Birthday Dad. Missing you so much.
You're great grandchildren.
March 5, 2016
March 4, 2016
March 4, 2016
March 4, 2016
Another year. Missing you Dad. I love you.
January 27, 2016
January 27, 2016
January 27, 2016
Missing you. Please watch over all of us. Love you Dad so much
October 11, 2015
You're going to be a Great Grandpa again. Missing you so much Dad.
August 27, 2015
Missing you.
July 15, 2015
I love you.
June 22, 2015
Another Father's Day has come and gone. Missing you does not end Dad. I wish I could just hear you voice again.
Jaclyn
June 21, 2015
Happy Fathers Day to the best Grandpa that ever lived! I miss you and love you so much Grandpa!
April 8, 2015
Missing you Dad.
April 1, 2015
Happy Birthday Dad. We love and miss you so much.
December 25, 2014
Merry Christmas Dad. Missing you.
December 9, 2014
Miss you Dad.
July 5, 2014
We miss you so much Dad.
April 2, 2014
Happy Birthday Dad. Missing you.
March 5, 2014
7 years. Missing you so much Dad.
February 23, 2014
Our hearts are filled with memories. With Pride we speak your name. Though life goes on without you, it will never be the same. Love you Dad.
February 14, 2014
Missing you.
February 14, 2014
Missing you Dad.
December 10, 2013
I love you dad.
November 7, 2013
Missing you Dad.
Jaclyn Scafidi
July 1, 2013
I love you and miss you so much Grandpa. There's not a day that goes by that I don't think about you. Thank you for being the best grandpa anyone could possibly have. You have set a grand example for me and each and every day I strive to make you proud. I love you so much! ?
April 2, 2013
Happy Birthday Dad. I love and miss you.
Andrea
March 8, 2013
Love you.
February 8, 2013
Thinking if you Dad always.
December 21, 2012
It's almost Christmas Dad. Missing you! Love you !
Jerry Condon
November 18, 2012
I just saw this. This is really a nice way to remember Uncle Wayne. I have a lot of fond memories of him. He was a great man and a consistent father figure in my life.
April 2, 2012
Happy Birthday Dad. We miss you so much. Love you Always.
March 5, 2012
5 years Dad. Missing you.
June 19, 2011
June 19, 2011
June 19, 2011
June 19, 2011
Happy Father's Day. I miss you so much. Nothing is the same.
Andrea Paull
April 25, 2011
Andrea Paull
April 1, 2011
Happy Birthday Dad. We miss you.
March 5, 2011
I miss you Dad so much. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about you. I love you.
April 8, 2010
I love you.
March 5, 2010
Miss you everyday Dad.
March 5, 2009
Two years Dad, we miss and love you so much.
January 29, 2009
She is beautiful Dad. Watch over her. I love you.
November 21, 2008
You are a Great-Grandpa now. I know you are with us. Thank you. I love you.
May 19, 2008
I miss you Dad.
Caroline and Angeline - Ages 8
March 30, 2007
We all miss our favorite person and his life will be better. We all got something special that he gave us, but I got something that belongs to me, that I will never stop loving. It is all the memories we shared together. I know my mom is really really sad. I bet you are sad too. I know this because you all love him. He is my only Grandpa that had very nice memories when we went up north. We shared memories when we had Christmas at his house, and when he came to watch all our games. My Grandpa is lucky because he gets to visit with his mom, dad and sister up in heaven. Pray for him every time. Angeline and me want to say we love our Grandpa so much and we will miss him.
Ally & Lauren Van Boven, ages 5 & 9
March 11, 2007
Hi, my name is Ally Van Boven and this is my cousin Lauren Van Boven. Today we would like to share some memories with you of our Grandpa Wayne, like great times at his cabin, or one time at his real house we were celebrating Christmas and Lauren was about two years old, and she decided to dance with Santa. Grandpa used to call me his Ally-oop, and sometimes I can still hear him in my heart. We loved him so much, and I am sure you did too. But I am guessing he is probably up in heaven playing golf waiting for us.
Jack Van Boven, Age 11
March 11, 2007
MY SPEECH FOR GRANDPA
My Name is Jack Van Boven, and Wayne Van Boven was my loving Grandpa. This day of grim feeling was triggered by a short, cold, Monday afternoon of what is said to be the day of Grandpa’s death. But it is not a death—not even a reason to be sorrowful. For example:
If you were a student taking a test, would you sob if your close friend finishes before you??? We are in the middle of a test that tells God if we are worthy of heaven. Grandpa is not experiencing death and pain—only birth and a lot of relief. So why, why be sad if he has just been born at the Right Hand of God.
I appreciate a funeral service, but it is not for the victim but us, the ones who sob for him, the ones who knew him their whole lives, to make us feel better.
I loved him as much as you all do. He was a man who you would hope God could just shove into a lower part of heaven. He aced the test of his time on earth and made it back home hoping we can do the same. If you cannot help but be sad, then be sad but have hope that you can make it to heaven.
When I came home from the hospital I was crying after hearing there wasn’t a chance for him. I told my dad I didn’t want him to go, and Dad told me a story:
If he was stranded on the moon and his rocket was out of air and fuel, he could only survive on the air that was in his spacesuit. He finally opened the rocket hatch and there was a bright light coming closer. When he could see more clearly he saw a figure dressed in white who said, “You’re home, Wayne, you’re home!”
Once again I ask you, “Why be sad of Grandpa has just been reborn?”
Kevan Krahn
March 10, 2007
We
all were a shocked, and saddened deeply when we heard the news about
Wayne, and our sincere appologies for not being able to attend the
memorial services. I assure ALL of you that we were there in spirit,
and that you all are in our thoughts and prayers. You guys (ALL OF YOU)
are very special to us, sort of an extended family, a very vivid part
of my childhood which spurs fond memories of a time long ago. I guess I
did'nt realize (at the time) just how much I would treasure those
moments that we had some 40 years later. Wayne was absolutley one of
the most genuine people I have ever met, and we all admired, and
respected him greatly. Its no wonder that all you kids turned out so
well having such a role model.I remember looking forward to the Van
Boven family summer vacations (on the farm) back in the '60-70s. I
remember Wayne working on the combine with my dad, and being covered
with grease, and dirt at the end of the day, and no complaints. I
thought that was pretty good for a (city slicker)! After all he was
supposed to be on vacation! I remember playing catch with Wayne, and
how PAINFULL it was catching his burning fastball, I always thought he
should have been pitching for the Cubs. I remember Waynes expression
when seeing Robert ( a handfull to say the least) being totally covered
in grime after chasing the pigs. Wayne asked me if I had anything to do
with it, I said not...really... and he then started laughing, when he
really should have kicked my ****. Believe me, Robert was a hideous
mess! And then there was Robert and I constantly picking on the girls, and Lyle
Andrew. SORRY, I have finally matured a bit,,,,although I'm not quite so sure
about Robert???? Oh yea, is he the Doctor? Sandy and I remember going
to a Packer game(a few years back)game with Wayne, and Pam and how
great a time we had with BOTH of them, not just because of the
game, but just being in their company. I could go on , and on, but I
need to stop sometime........ Take care guys......... PS>> we
plan to call or contact y'all if i havent done so alrady. Andrea,,
thank you for sending me to this site.
ALL OUR LOVE:
Kev + Sandy
Robert Van Boven
March 8, 2007
It is difficult to imagine that Dad, a man with so much life in him could possibly be so swiftly taken from us. Indeed, he had many rich chapters and touched so many lives. He has been a pillar of strength, support, love, goodness and humor. Clearly, we can celebrate with joy and thanksgiving Dad’s life with us: joy that we were privileged to have him among us for the time we did; thanksgiving for the many contributions he made to our lives and for his presence which will always be within us.
Dad was born on April 2nd, 1934 in Oconto falls, Wisconsin, to Lyle and Rosella Van Boven. Oconto Falls is a small town, 30 miles north of Green Bay, a town of less than 3000 folks who live a simple, principled, and modest life. Dad tells me how he attended a small elementary school whereby many different grade levels would sit in the same classroom. Grandpa owned a small tavern and restaurant, the “Dew drop in.” Living in a small apartment upstairs, Dad tells me that he and his sister Sharon would occasionally sneak downstairs and play at night. This, in part, is how Dad developed his prowess in table billiards; one of his many athletic talents including ping-pong, soft-ball, and golf, which he always humbled me in competition. His tough spirit was also evident in his surviving a life-threatening pneumonia as a young child, requiring surgery and chest tube placement.
Dad’s parents came from modest origins, lacking a fountain of formal education, and unassuming in nature. Yet Grandma Rosie and Grandpa had a formidable level of common sense, which is not common, a strong work-ethic, and wisdom; traits which Dad and his sister Sharon were both endowed with. They both were bright and good students.
Such humble formative years capture the essence of the proverb- Great oaks from little acorns grow.
Dad, his sister Sharon, and his parents later moved to Chicago where he attended and graduated from Fenger High School in 1952 and joined the US Army in 1953. He attended the Signal Corps School and was an expert International Speed Radio Operator, hammering out and deciphering Morse Code like a Mozart. He received several honors including the National Defense Service Medal, the Army of Occupation Medal and a Marksmanship award. Dad was proud to have served his country and has always remained a very patriotic citizen.
He was honorably discharged and returned home to Chicago, married my mother, and worked for a short while at US Steel as a drill press operator. Soon after, he landed a position as a draftsman and later functioned as a mechanical engineer at Victor Comptometer, an adding machine company which in the late sixties employed about 8,000 people worldwide. Dad was gifted and innovative in designing adding machines, and gifted technically in trouble-shooting circuit board problems. He was also an admired and respected figure at Victor, both for his intellectual, natural leadership and athletic abilities. He was referred to as the “jolly green giant” for his powerful presence in the company softball league. Dad’s strength of character was a shield against a life-threatening car accident in 1967 in which we kids and mom all survived. This experience no doubt had had an impact. As Goethe has said, “What does not kill me makes me stronger.”
Dad was a man of good judgment and quiet confidence in his abilities. He sensed an important opportunity to pursue a manufacturer representative position at Photo-circuits and left Victor in 1975. This intuitive move occurred but a few years before Victor was purchased by Kidde Inc. of New Jersey. Dad prospered as a rep, due to his knowledge and credibility technically as a mechanical engineer, his integrity, his decency, and humor. His success soared and led him to another bold move of starting his own company, WAVAN associates, in 1980. Enormous trust and loyalty on the part of his clients made the transition possible and successful.
Dad was also a dedicated family man, he made a point of playing with us kids while growing up and provided us with fishing and vacation trips that we could barely afford in the early years. He often moonlit many hours, through a variety of jobs, from delivering pizza to home-assembly of electronic components, to finance these luxuries. He also groomed my skills in football, street hockey, and wrestling, although I always floundered despite his best efforts in baseball, basketball, and golf. He also challenged my performance in school- stressing that each year was a building block upon which the following years depend. I felt an internal drive to prove to him that I could and would achieve something special.
Dad’s later marriage to Anita taught me more, as an adult, about his strength of character and capacity of love. He enriched and was being enriched by Anita, and all the while gave her his love and support during her darkest hours and difficult journey from this world to the next. I also learned more about Dad through the admiring eyes of his step-children, Bret and Susan, who loved him dearly.
Dad re-married, after Anita’s passing, to Pam and no one would doubt that their nearly 13 years of marriage together were amongst the happiest days of Dad’s life. The phrase soul-mate is fitting. Dad’s adventures with Pam, his newest children, Greg and Venessa, along with his blossoming extended family of grandchildren, made for a full life.
As Lincoln once said, “in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count, it’s the life in your years.” We suffer in his absence but know that he suffers not. I pray that God holds Dad closely to his heart and ask, as Moses said in the book of psalms (90), “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” May Dad remain in our hearts forever so that we may feel joy and comfort, not sorrow.
Jose Padin
March 7, 2007
I am really sorry for your loss, you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Ron Hernandez
March 7, 2007
I wanted to extend my deepest sympathies to the Van Boven family. We will be keeping y'all in our prayers.
Diane & Chuck Wasserman
March 7, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad time.
Terry Russell
March 7, 2007
Our deepest sympathy to the extended family of Wayne Van Boven.
All of you are in our thoughts and prayers. May God comfort and strengthen you at this time of your loss. Terry and Donna Russell
Kate Marty
March 7, 2007
Please accept our deepest sympathy and sorrow for the sudden loss of Mr. Wayne Van Boven, father of our fellow, Dr. Robert Van Boven.
With kindest thoughts,
The Faculty and Staff of the LSU Department of Neurology, New Orleans.
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