Adriaan (Van) Vanderleun

Sand Point, MI

Adriaan (Van) Vanderleun, age 69, passed away on September 20, 2013, in the Bad Axe Hospital, with his family by his side.

Van was born on January 7, 1944, in Dorecht, Holland, to the late Adriaan and Johanna Vanderleun. After the death of his father, he came to the U.S. at the age of 3, with his mother and sister and became a U.S.A. citizen on November 25, 1952. After graduating from Detroit Western High School, he joined the U.S.M.C. and served in Vietnam, as a sniper. After being discharged, he attended Wayne State University and received a degree in criminal justice. He joined the Centerline Police Department in 1972, as reserve police officer. He rose up the ranks to Executive Lieutenant, retiring in 1996. He was a Life Member of the Warren FOP #124.

Van married Lorraine Melms on June 24, 2000. In 2004, they moved to Sand Point, to his dream retirement home, where enjoyed the water of Saginaw Bay, sitting on the front porch smoking a good cigar and watching the deer go through the yard. He loved M.S.U. football, the Lions and was a Tony Stewart, Nascar fan.

Van is survived by his wife, Lorraine, son, Adam (Audrey), step-son, Jasen (Aurelia) Melms, grandchildren; Andrew, Adriaan and Andersen Vanderleun, Ava Melms and baby Melms due on November 1, 2013, mother-in-law; Elsie Melms, sister and brother-in-law; Christine (Joe) Cumerlato, sister-in-law, Judi Melms, Godson, Conner Mason, along with many nieces and nephews, good friends, Dr. Jeff and Stacey Miller and many officers from area police departments.

Van was preceded in death by his father, Adriaan, mother, Johanna, sister, Ann, wife Linda (Birkner) Vanderleun, father-in-law; Walter R. Melms and brother-in-law, Walter R. Melms II.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, September 28, 2013 at the Warren FOP #124, 11304 14 Mile Rd. (14 Mile Rd, east of Van Dyke) at 1:00 p.m.

Cremation arrangements by Jowett Funeral Home - 1634 Lapeer Ave. at 17th St., Port Huron.

Memorial tributes can be made to the wishes of the family.

To view obituary and share memories visit www.jowettfuneraldirectors.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Times Herald from Sep. 24 to Sep. 26, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Adriaan Vanderleun

7 Entries

Catherine LaCroix

October 7, 2013

Dear Lorraine,
So sorry to hear about the passing of your husband Van.
Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Cathy

Sally Heimbach

September 26, 2013

Dear Lorraine, I was so sorry to hear of Vans passing. His suffering is over now and he will rest in peace and you should too knowing that you took great care of him. Much Love To You. Take care

Judy Kerr

September 25, 2013

Ray and I did not meet Van but he must have been pretty nice to have found such a caring person as Lorraine. Our sympathy goes out to the entire family.
Ray and Judy Kerr

Marsha Conely

September 24, 2013

Lorraine, I am so sorry to hear about Van passing. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

Jerry Bechtel

September 24, 2013

So sorry to hear of the loss of Van. I know how sick he had been the last year or so. He was so lucky to have a wonderful wife like Lorraine, we worked together at Kmart for over 30 years. My deepest sympathy, Lorraine and Vans family.

Michelle Carey

September 24, 2013

Lorraine,
I am SO sorry to hear about Van. He was a wonderful man. My prayers and deepest sympathy go out to you.

Julie Bixler

September 24, 2013

My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results

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Funeral services provided by:

Jowett Funeral Home and Cremation Service & Reception Center - Port Huron

1634 Lapeer Avenue 1626 Lapeer Avenue, Port Huron, MI 48060

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