ALLEN Edward Albert VAN

Age 86 of St. Paul, MN, died March 8, 2016 after a struggle with Alzheimer's and cancer. Preceded in death by parents Edward C. and Ruth Whitney Van Allen; wife Wilma Faris Van Allen Lorance, wife Evelyn Wilner Larson Van Allen, and grandson Sam Freiermuth. Survived by children Jan Van Allen Wilson, Steve Van Allen (Becky Brenner), Amy Van Allen (Chad Gullekson), Cheryl Phillips Van Allen (Leeroy Peterson); step-children Steve Erik Larson (Kathy), Pam Larson, Beth Brandt (Jack), Sue Freiermuth (Randy); 17 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren, cousins Annette Whitney Walters, Inez Meekins Harker. Born and raised in Columbus OH, he was an Eagle Scout, graduated from West High School and Ohio State University and was a Freemason. As a pilot in the US Navy during the Korean Conflict, he flew secret missions out of the Philippines and achieved a rank of Lieutenant (JG). He attended Yale Divinity School, worked as Executive Director of numerous YMCA branches and the East Metro Day Activity Center Council, and as a planner for Ramsey County Human Services. When they retired, Ed and Ev (The Captain and The Admiral) lived aboard the sailboat Evangeline then the trawler Cassia Lea, hosting many adventures with friends and family along the East Coast and the Bahamas. Ed was kind, gentle and generous, always entertaining with a well-timed wise crack. He touched many lives, led many on fantastic adventures. Ed will be fondly remembered and deeply missed. Memorial Service 3 PM Saturday, March 12 at Arlington Hills United Methodist Church, 759 East Cty. Rd. B, Maplewood. Memorials to the Alzheimer's Association preferred.