Archie A. Van Elslander

Birmingham, MI Archie A. Van Elslander, who was known as "Mr. Van" and founded what became one of the largest independent furniture retailers in the United States, passed away on February 12, 2018, at the age of 87, surrounded by his family. Born in 1930 in Detroit, Michigan, Mr. Van Elslander was the son of a Belgian immigrant. He grew up in Detroit, peddling papers and working in his father's bar as a young boy. At age 14, he discovered his love of fashion when he took a job working at a local haberdashery, Square Menswear. After graduating from Denby High School in 1948 and serving in the U.S. Army, Mr. Van Elslander married, started a family and took a job at Gruenwald Furniture. He opened his first store in 1959, the sole proprietor of a 4,000 square foot shop on Gratiot Avenue in East Detroit, and ultimately grew Art Van Furniture to nearly 4,000 associates and over 100 Art Van Furniture locations throughout the Midwest before selling the business in early 2017. A pioneer retailer and master promoter, he was widely respected in the furniture industry for his creative approach to marketing. Mr. Van Elslander's awards and recognitions are many, with his generosity and business acumen regularly acknowledged. With a seemingly limitless capacity for giving, Mr. Van Elslander was one of Michigan's most generous and beloved philanthropists. When Detroit's annual Thanksgiving Day parade was in financial peril in 1990, Mr. Van Elslander made an historic donation that saved this cherished tradition. For the next 25 years, he personally rode in the parade, waving to crowds along the route. He was a major benefactor of countless charities, including St. John Providence Health System, Focus:HOPE, Forgotten Harvest and the Province of St. Joseph of the Capuchin Order. He leaves behind an indelible print on the hearts of many, and will be sorely missed. Mr. Van Elslander is survived by his ten children: Gary (Janet) Van Elslander, Debra Van Elslander (Roy Kaminski), Sandra Seroka (Doug Olson), Kenneth (Janice) Van Elslander, Lori Webb (the late Michael), Karen (John) Paglino, Kim (John) Francis, Kris (William) Scarfone, David (Susan) Van Elslander, and Beth (Douglas) Wood, as well as his wife, Mary Ann, and his life partner, Sarah Cuyler. He is also survived by 32 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. He is preceded in death by his parents, Achiel and Rose (nee De Munter) Van Elslander, brother Robert Van Elslander, children, Ricky, Randy and Douglas, as well as granddaughters Kyleigh & Kyrsten Webb and Kara Paglino. The family will receive friends at Wujek-Calcaterra Funeral Home in Shelby Township on Wednesday, February 14 from 4-9 pm and Thursday, February 15 from 1-9 pm. Mr. Van Elslander will lie in state at 9:30 am at The Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Detroit, with mass at 11:00 am. Memorial donations may be made to The Province of St. Joseph of the Capuchin Order or to Alcoholics Anonymous.